The Apotheosis of Homer

"The Apotheosis of Homer" is a renowned painting crafted in 1827 by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. This masterpiece is housed in the Louvre, cataloged as INV 5417. The painting portrays the ancient Greek poet Homer being crowned by a winged figure, symbolizing either Victory or the Universe. Surrounding Homer are forty-four other figures, each paying homage to his genius.

This work was commissioned by King Charles X as part of a renovation project for the Louvre, specifically for the musée Charles X, to celebrate the Bourbon dynasty's legacy. Ingres dedicated significant effort to this piece, producing over 100 drawings and sketches to perfect the composition. He drew inspiration from classical artists such as Raphael and Poussin.

The painting is symmetrically arranged, featuring a Greek temple at its center and figures from various historical periods honoring Homer. Ingres aspired to emulate Raphael's style, evident in the painting's vibrant, clear colors, which impart a fresco-like quality. The work reflects Ingres' reverence for timeless classical values. Although some critics deemed it somewhat cold, it has been celebrated as a triumph within its genre.

In 1855, the original painting was removed and replaced with a copy due to evolving artistic preferences. Ingres later revisited the theme in other works, incorporating additional historical figures. He also chose to exclude certain figures, such as Shakespeare and Tasso, in these later versions, feeling they were too closely associated with the Romantic style championed by his contemporary, Delacroix.