Heritage of Apelles - Essay Example

 Most of his fame derives from what other Greek writers of his time wrote about him. We have only their word to go on, but it appears he was quite great.  He was in much demand as the most technically proficient and imaginative artist of his day. The second reason for his fame lies in how he painted. He developed a black varnish which protected his work but also softened the colors. His personality is revealed by the writer Pliny: instead of endlessly working on a painting and perhaps ruining it by doing too much—he knew when to stop when the work was finished.

Although Apelles is clearly less famous today then he was 2500 years ago, he still has an impact. Few artists can claim that they will be remembered for so long by so many people.