The Artist as Murderer: An Enduring Legend from Ancient Greece to the Modern Day

The story of Parrhasius, a Greek painter who murdered his model to achieve a more lifelike depiction of nature, has inspired similar stories about other artists. This book examines the artist as cruel and murderous in service of art and ambition, challenging the archetype of the artist as a sympathetic lover of nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The renowned Greek painter Parrhasius, who lived in the 4th century BC, is said to have committed a gruesome act—he murdered his own model, an elderly man who was also his slave. According to the legend, Parrhasius sought to achieve a more realistic portrayal of nature through this act. However, this story has sparked numerous other tales about famous and lesser-known artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rubens. The narrative has permeated various forms of art, including theater, literature, film, and even comments by painters, historians, critics, and anatomists. By challenging the traditional notion of the artist as a compassionate lover of nature, this book delves into the artist as a cruel and murderous individual driven by art and ambition. It also indirectly explores a different perspective on the interplay between art and life.

Background:
The story of Parrhasius and his model is believed to have originated in ancient Greece. It has been passed down through various sources, including historical texts, art historical writings, and artistic representations. The tale has gained popularity over time and has inspired numerous artists and writers to explore the themes of art, nature, and morality.
Artistic Inspiration:
The story of Parrhasius has been a source of inspiration for many artists throughout history. Artists have been drawn to the tale because of its controversial and provocative nature. It challenges the traditional archetype of the artist as a sympathetic lover of nature and instead presents the artist as a cruel and murderous individual. This has led to various interpretations and reimaginings of the story in different artistic mediums.
Theater, Literature, and Film:
The story of Parrhasius has been adapted into various forms of art, including theater, literature, and film. In theater, plays have been written based on the narrative, exploring the themes of art, ambition, and morality. In literature, novels and short stories have been written that retell the story and explore the psychological motivations of the artist. In film, the story has been depicted in various ways, including documentaries, feature films, and animated films.
Paintings:
Parrhasius and his model have been depicted in numerous paintings throughout history. Artists have been inspired by the story and have used it as a subject for their artwork. Some notable paintings that feature Parrhasius and his model include "The Murder of the Slave" by Rembrandt, "The Death of Socrates" by Jacques-Louis David, and "The Death of the Slave" by Eugène Delacroix.
Historical and Artistic Interpretations:
The story of Parrhasius has been interpreted in various ways by historians and artists. Some scholars argue that the story is a myth or a legend, while others believe that it may have some historical basis. Artists have used the story to explore different themes, including the relationship between art and nature, the artist's role in society, and the moral implications of artistic expression.
Conclusion:
The story of Parrhasius and his model has had a significant impact on the art world and has inspired numerous artists and writers to explore the themes of art, nature, and morality. It challenges the traditional archetype of the artist as a compassionate lover of nature and presents the artist as a cruel and murderous individual driven by art and ambition. The tale has permeated various forms of art, including theater, literature, film, and paintings, and has continued to be a source of fascination.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476683959