FEDERICO ZUCCARO (C. 1542-1609)
Calumny
c. 1569-72RCIN 405695
This painting is an allegory of bad government. On the left sits King Midas with ass's ears symbolising foolishness. His judgement of an innocent man is influenced by figures representing Envy, Suspicion, Rage and Calumny (slander). Midas wished for the power to change anything he touched to gold, which eventually caused his downfall.