**Originally Listed At $5000**

Western Europe, Neoclassical Period, ca. 18th to early 20th century CE. An extraordinary marble bust of Apollo, among the most important Olympian gods. Gazing toward his left, with his flowing hair tied in a bow, and a rosette brooch fastening the drapery folds of his cloak on one shoulder - this type is based upon the Apollo Belvedere dating to 325 BCE and attributed to Leochares - a Roman copy of which is located in the Vatican Museums, as the original has never been found. Finely carved from a rich marble of white hues with creamy beige inclusions, this bust presents a handsome visage with fine features and a remarkably delineated coiffure of wavy locks that are centrally parted, tied in a bow on top, secured with a diadem, and resolves in lovely, curled tendrils that grace his neck. The bust is supported by a square plinth. Size: 26" L x 14" W x 37.5" H (66 cm x 35.6 cm x 95.2 cm)

The Apollo Belvedere is one of the most revered works of antiquity. The sculpture captivated masters of the Renaissance such as Michelangelo and Durer as well as those of the Neoclassical period such as Antonio Canova. For example, one can see these influences in Michelangelo's David (1501-1504) and Canova's Perseus (1801). Both masters strove to realize Leochares' ability to capture an idealized rendering of Apollo. In addition to the statue in the Vatican Museums, one can also find sculptures, busts, and sketches that echo the Apollo Belvedere composition in some of the most prestigious museums of the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the Getty. Son of Zeus and Leto, and twin brother of the huntress Artemis, Apollo was known as the archer and the god of light, who harnessed his chariot and moved the Sun across the sky. This Neoclassical rendering captures the deity's larger-than-life presence and mesmerizing grandeur, bringing the legendary Apollo to life in a vivid and romantic manner. The marble's smooth finish and the sculptor's virtuosic rendering of Apollo's coiffure and handsome face is a testament to the artist's impressive skill.

A nearly identical example of a slightly smaller scale was recently sold by Christie's London for 43,750 British pounds (equivalent to $60,452.79) on July 9th, 2021 during the Old Master Paintings & Sculpture Online auction (Online Auction 20054).

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#166760

Base is repaired and restored. Visible break line runs from front to back and adhesive residue is visible within the gaps where the piece was reattached. Front corner of base is restored with new material with visible fissure where material is attached. Abrasions and weathering to high pointed areas, including the nose and coiffure. Verso drapery has chips and abrasions and small areas of red and blue pigments on surface. Darker mineral deposits from exposure to elements on coiffure and recessed areas. Face and neck surfaces have been cleaned. Facial features are well preserved.