Statuette of Apollo

100–1 B.C.

Medium

Bronze

Dimensions

29 × 10 cm

Status

In Museum Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-241559

Apollo, the Greek god of music, is often portrayed holding a stringed instrument called a lyre. In this tabletop bronze statue, he is shown with one arm resting on his head and holding a plektron, or pick, used to pluck the strings. In this case, Apollo's lyre and the arm that once held it are missing, as is the object upon which his bent leg once rested. Apollo stands in an *s* -shaped pose, inspired by the late Classical work of the Greek sculptor Praxiteles. The sculptor presents the harmony of features in the human body, emphasizing Apollo's youthful, muscular torso by carefully framing it with drapery. A dynamic, sinuous line extends from Apollo's upraised arm through his torso and left leg, on which he rests his weight. Apollo's long hair hangs loosely around his head and neck. Apollo's serene appearance underscores his reputation as the "god of calm," whose credo was "everything in measure."