# Apelles

> 4th century BC Greek painter

**Wikidata**: [Q216822](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q216822)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apelles)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apelles

## Summary
Apelles was a renowned 4th-century BC Greek painter, celebrated as one of the most skilled artists of antiquity. He is best known for his iconic painting *Venus Anadyomene*, a defining representation of Aphrodite, and his mastery of technique and realism set a benchmark for classical art.

## Biography
- **Born**: -0370 (circa 370 BC)
- **Nationality**: Greek
- **Known for**: Painting, particularly *Venus Anadyomene*
- **Field(s)**: Visual arts (painting)
- **Aliases**: Apelles of Kos, Apelles of Kolophon, Apelles of Ephesus

## Contributions
Apelles created *Venus Anadyomene*, one of the most iconic depictions of Aphrodite in classical art. His work was so revered that it influenced later generations of artists and became a standard for beauty and technique in Greek painting. Though many of his original works are lost, his reputation endured through historical accounts and later artistic homages, such as the 14th-century sculpture *Formella 18, apelle o la pittura* by Nino Pisano (1334–1336).

## FAQs
**Who was Apelles?**
Apelles was a 4th-century BC Greek painter renowned for his technical skill and contributions to classical art, particularly his depiction of *Venus Anadyomene*.

**What is Apelles best known for?**
He is most famous for *Venus Anadyomene*, an iconic painting of Aphrodite rising from the sea, which became a defining image in Greek mythology and art.

**When did Apelles live?**
He was born around 370 BC and died around 306 BC, active during the height of classical Greek culture.

**Are any of Apelles' original works still intact?**
No original paintings by Apelles survive today, but his influence is documented through historical texts and later artistic tributes.

## Why They Matter
Apelles' work set a new standard for realism and beauty in Greek painting, influencing both contemporary and later artists. His techniques and compositions became foundational in classical art, shaping how mythological figures were depicted for centuries. Without his contributions, the visual language of Greek and Roman art might have developed differently, lacking the refinement and elegance he introduced.

## Notable For
- Creating *Venus Anadyomene*, an iconic representation of Aphrodite.
- Being one of the most celebrated painters of ancient Greece.
- Influencing later artists, as seen in works like Nino Pisano’s 14th-century sculpture.
- Having multiple aliases (Apelles of Kos, Apelles of Kolophon, Apelles of Ephesus), reflecting his widespread recognition.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Apelles was born around 370 BC, though his exact birthplace is debated—he is associated with Kos, Kolophon, and Ephesus. Little is known about his early life, but his reputation as a painter emerged during the 4th century BC, a period of significant artistic innovation in Greece.

### Career and Artistic Style
Apelles was a master of realism and technique, earning acclaim for his ability to capture lifelike details and emotional depth. His most famous work, *Venus Anadyomene*, depicted Aphrodite rising from the sea, a scene that became a cornerstone of classical mythology in art. Though the original is lost, descriptions and later adaptations attest to its influence.

### Legacy and Influence
Apelles' work transcended his lifetime, inspiring artists across centuries. The 14th-century sculpture *Formella 18, apelle o la pittura* by Nino Pisano (1334–1336) directly references his legacy, illustrating how his techniques and themes persisted in Renaissance art. His name became synonymous with artistic excellence, cited in historical texts as a benchmark for painters.

### Historical Documentation
Apelles is referenced in numerous historical and academic sources, including Wikidata entries (e.g., P213: 0000000382064480, P214: 3783931) and library catalogs (e.g., P227: 118649787, P244: n80139966). These records confirm his status as a pivotal figure in classical art, though much of his personal life remains undocumented.

### Cultural Impact
Beyond his technical skill, Apelles' work shaped the portrayal of divine figures in art. *Venus Anadyomene* became a template for depicting Aphrodite/Venus, influencing both Greek and Roman artistic traditions. His methods and compositions were studied and emulated, ensuring his place in the canon of Western art history.

## References

1. Source
2. Union List of Artist Names. 2010
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Description of Greece
6. CERL Thesaurus
7. lives of the most excellent painters,sculptors,and architects
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Enciclopedia Treccani
10. GF WordNet