174 - Head of Apollo

Head of Apollo White marble H. 36 cm; H. with base 56 cm Italian work, based on the Belvedere Apollo This head is modeled after the Belvedere Apollo, a statue housed in the Vatican Museums. The original is a Roman work from the Imperial period, a copy of a Greek bronze from the second half of the 4th century B.C. generally attributed to Leochares. Rediscovered in the late 15th century and placed in the Belvedere Courtyard under Julius II, the Apollo established itself, from the Renaissance through Neoclassicism, as the absolute standard of ideal male beauty, celebrated in particular by Winckelmann. As such, it was one of the most frequently copied ancient works. This head follows in that tradition. It recreates the idealized features and characteristic hairstyle, with wavy locks swept back and tied high on the head. The practice of reproducing the head alone, detached from the figure, was common in the 19th century, intended for both collectors and academic study.