A state commission to decorate a ceiling of the musée
Charles X at the Louvre (now the ancient Egyptian galleries), it formed part of a renovation project commissioned by Charles X to have himself remembered in the grand tradition of
Bourbon building works at the Louvre. A condition of the commission was that it was to be completed within a year's time. Upon receiving the commission, Ingres conceived the idea for his painting quickly—it was a source of pride to him that he had required only an hour to establish the broad outlines of his composition in a sketch. The
Iliad and
Odyssey sit at his feet." The final painting's colours are very fresh and clear, giving the impression of
fresco. Ingres wished to compete with
Raphael through this painting (it is strongly inspired by the Italian artist's
Parnassus) and Raphael is to be seen top left (in black and white Renaissance dress), being led by
Apelles (in a blue cloak). Other figures shown include
Dante who is shown being led by
Virgil as in the former's
Divine Comedy (extreme left, behind Poussin) and
Molière (right, by the feet of the personification of the
Odyssey). The art historian
Robert Rosenblum said
The Apotheosis of Homer represents "Ingres' most doctrinaire statement of his belief in a hierarchy of timeless values that are based on classical precedent." It is highly successful in its genre, though leaves an impression of coldness, an impression which was reinforced at the time of its production by the exhibition of
Delacroix's
The Death of Sardanapalus at the same year's
Paris Salon. Ingres had been considered revolutionary early in his career, but this contrast now faced off a
Romantic renewal under Delacroix against the purest classical tradition as shown by Ingres.
The Apotheosis of Homer was taken down from its initial site in 1855 and replaced later that year with a copy by Paul and Raymond Balze (in collaboration with Michel Dumas). ==Figures shown==