Costume design for the nymph Arethusa
Pen and brush on parchment
By Richard Roland Holst, 1910
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

One of the characters from the play 'Marsyas' by Balthasar Verhagen, a captivating play that delves into the timeless myth of the satyr Marsyas and his fateful encounter with the god Apollo. Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, the play weaves a narrative of ambition, hubris, and divine retribution. As Marsyas, a skilled musician, challenges Apollo to a musical contest, the stage becomes a battleground for artistic supremacy and mortal arrogance. Verhagen's masterful storytelling brings to life the moral complexities of the myth, exploring themes of pride, punishment, and the power of creativity. Through poignant dialogue and vivid characterisations in this play invites audiences on a thought-provoking jour.