Object Description
An antique Italian Grand Tour bronze sculpture of ‘The Apollo Belvedere’ circa 1890, after the antique. Sourced from an ex. private UK collection.
Dating from the late 19th century, this superb bronze figure has an appealing patinated Verdigris patina, the bronze having weathered beautifully over the decades. It will make a handsome feature of an outdoor space, looking particularly striking in a classical courtyard garden. Alternatively, it could be placed indoors, Apollo’s scale making for perfect styling on a display plinth or pedestal.
The Apollo Belvedere
This bronze depicts the God of Roman and Greek mythology in a classical pose, having just released an arrow from a bow, which he originally carried in his left hand. According to Greek and Roman mythology, Apollo is considered the most loved of all gods, associated with a variety of themes including music, poetry, the bow, healing and prophecy – just to name a few.
While the lost bronze depiction of the Apollo Belvedere statue is considered the original, its marble depiction in the Vatican Museums is highly admired. Believed to have been made during the 2nd century, it was rediscovered during the 14th century and once formed part of Pope Julius II’s private collection. These statues were transferred to the Vatican on his election where the marble depiction of the Apollo Belvedere has remained since the early 16th century.
Additional Dimensions
Base ø 37.5 cm
Condition Copy Good structural condition. Even patinated bronze finish. Unsigned. No breaks or repairs. Apollo holds an iron fitting, possibly once used as a torch/lamp holder.
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