Cabinet of the Apolo de Belvedere

The Cabinet of the Apollo Belvedere is a true masterpiece of ancient sculpture, showcasing the incredible talent and skill of the Roman artist Leochares. This stunning marble sculpture, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is actually a Roman copy of the original bronze statue created by Leochares. The original Apollo Belvedere was crafted as part of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Roman copy, now housed in the Vatican Museums, captures the divine majesty of the God Apollo in all his glory.

Apollo, the mythological god of music, poetry, and the arts, is depicted in the sculpture with a sense of dynamism and movement. The god is shown in a moment of action, leaning on his right leg and gazing off into the distance with a look of eternal wisdom. Apollo's role as the patron of the muses is evident in his graceful pose and serene expression, embodying the ideals of beauty and creativity.

One of the most striking features of the Apollo Belvedere is the missing bow in his left hand, symbolizing his prowess as a warrior god. In his right hand, Apollo holds a missing object, likely an arrow from his quiver, further emphasizing his role as a skilled archer. The intricate details of the sculpture, such as the small snake on the tree trunk to the right, allude to Apollo's victory over the serpent Python at Delphi, a significant mythological event in his story.

The Apollo Belvedere has inspired countless artists throughout history, including the renowned Michelangelo, who found perfection in the god's face. In fact, Michelangelo used the face of Apollo as the model for his portrayal of Jesus in the Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel. The influence of this iconic sculpture can be seen in various works of art, showcasing its enduring impact on the world of art and culture.

Visitors to the Vatican Museums have the unique opportunity to admire the Apollo Belvedere up close, experiencing the beauty and power of this ancient masterpiece firsthand. As you stand before the sculpture, you can't help but be captivated by the god's timeless presence and the sense of awe that he inspires. The Cabinet of the Apollo Belvedere is not just a work of art—it is a testament to the enduring legacy of classical mythology and the artistic genius of the ancient world.

*The work, which dates from the mid-2nd century AD, is today considered a copy of the bronze made between 330 and 320 BC by Leochares, one of the artists who worked on the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

*The statue was part of the collection that Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere had in his palace in Santi Apostoli. When he was elected Pope he acquired the name Julius II (1503-1513) and the sculpture was transferred to the Vatican.

*It was rediscovered in the Renaissance and exhibited since 1511 in the cortile (courtyard) of the Belvedere, in the Vatican, from which it received its name.

*His effigy was included in the emblem of the Apollo 17 mission as a symbol of continued space exploration.

*In iconographic terms, it became the best-known representation of the god Apollo and can now be found embodied in statuettes, medals, postal letters and stamps reproduced en masse in various parts of the world.