CLAUDE LORRAIN
(b. 1604, Chamagne, d. 1682, Roma)

Landscape with Apollo Guarding the Herds of Admetus

1645
Oil on canvas, 55 x 45 cm
Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome

The painting is included in Liber Veritatis (LV 92).

The subject of this painting is taken from Greek mythology. Admetus was famed for his hospitality and justice. When Apollo was sentenced to a year of servitude to a mortal as punishment for killing the Cyclops, the god chose Admetus' home and became his herdsman. Apollo was so impressed by Admetus' treatment that the god made all the cows bear twins.