Judgment of Midas; Urteil Des Midas Hans Rottenhammer (1564-1625)

The composition presents a scene steeped in mythological narrative, unfolding within a lush, verdant woodland setting. A central male figure, seated upon a low throne draped with crimson fabric, dominates the visual field. His expression conveys a mixture of bewilderment and distress, suggesting he is grappling with an unsettling realization. He wears a simple white tunic beneath his elaborate red robe, which draws attention to his position as a ruler but also emphasizes a certain vulnerability.
To his left, a group of figures appears in dynamic interaction. A female figure, adorned in armor and wielding a spear, stands prominently, her gaze directed upwards towards a cherubic being hovering above. This winged infant holds aloft what seems to be a symbolic object – perhaps a scepter or a token representing divine judgment. Another woman, seemingly associated with music and the arts, is positioned beside her, holding a lyre. Her posture suggests both grace and an active role in the unfolding drama.
On the right side of the painting, a cluster of male figures are arranged in a more static grouping. They appear to be musicians or attendants, some playing instruments like pipes and drums. Their expressions range from solemnity to what might be interpreted as detached observation. A young boy at the lower right corner clutches a stringed instrument, his face etched with an expression that mirrors the central figures unease – a sense of loss or disappointment.
The artist’s use of color is significant. The vibrant greens and browns of the forest backdrop create a sense of abundance and natural beauty, which contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil displayed by the human figures. The red fabric on the throne serves as a focal point, drawing attention to the central figures predicament. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, further enhancing the narrative tension.
Subtleties within the scene suggest deeper meanings beyond a simple retelling of a myth. The presence of both military and artistic figures implies that the source of the central figure’s distress may be linked to choices involving power, wealth, or perhaps even aesthetic judgment. The cherubs gesture – the upward direction of his hand – hints at divine intervention or consequence. The overall impression is one of a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked desire and the potential for hubris to lead to unforeseen consequences.