The Flaying of Marsyas

For the subject see Ovid, 'Metamorphoses' (6). Apollo defeated the satyr Marsyas in a musical competition; as a punishment for failure, Apollo flayed him.

The picture was originally above the door of the Stanza di Apollo in Villa Aldobrandini, hence its horizontal format.

While the landscape and the main figure group are convincingly by Domenichino himself, it would seem he left the painting of the right side to an assistant. Six drawings for the composition (Windsor, Royal Collection) include a chalk study of the landscape without the figures.

Other paintings in this group: Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Apollo slaying Coronis from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18

The Judgement of Midas from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18

The Transformation of Cyparissus from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18

Apollo pursuing Daphne from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18

Apollo and Neptune advising Laomedon from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18

Apollo killing the Cyclops from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18

Mercury stealing the Herds of Admetus from Villa Aldobrandini Frescoes

Domenichino and assistants

1616-18