Botticelli, The Calumny of Apelles (1496-1497)

By comparison with architecture and sculpture, no works of classical painting had survived into the Renaissance. However,  classical writings described the paintings of antiquity and the aspirations of their painters, while remains of classical sculpture was felt to give a clear indication of the intentions of painters.

One classical work whose description had survived was the 'On Calumny' of Apelles, as described by the Greek writer Lucian (c. 125-180 AD). The highly influential humanist Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472) recommended this work as a subject for artists to recreate in his De pictura of 1435.

The most famous artist that headed Alberti's challenge was Sandro Botticelli (c.1445-1510). His 'Calumny of Apelles' is considered the best recreation of Lucian's description. It is far smaller than his large mythological paintings, but larger than the usual size of his spalliere pieces intended to be fitted into panelling or furniture.