1-156-103 - Art Media/Heritage Images

'The Apotheosis of Homer', 1827. Homer, the Greek epic poet who lived during the 8th century BC, is being crowned as an immortal. At his feet are figures representing his two great works, Iliad in red and Odyssey in green. Around him are the historically great figures of art, literature and music. Among them Virgil, far left centre, lays a hand on the shoulder of Dante wearing a red robe and holding a book. In a blue robe is the Greek painter Apelles, and next to him the philosopher Sophocles holds out a scroll. Centre far right is Alexander the Great offering a casket, next to him is Phidias the Greek sculptor, then Pindar, Greek epic poet holding a lyre. The figure in left foreground with a moustache who is pointing to Homer but looking out of the picture is the French painter Poussin. On the opposite side of the steps the figure in brown looking directly at the viewer is the French playwright Moliere holding a mask and beside him, in profile is Racine. In front of them is the French poet Boileau-Despreux. From the Louvre, Paris.