It is not unusual
to see Apollo depicted in such
a dramatic contraposto pose, as if he has
been
caught mid-movement. This small figurine is
finely and delicately moulded, showing the
advantages of bronze sculpture over marble
for
the production of such small figures; the
sculptor
would begin by creating the figure from
carving
wax, thus allowing for a greater attention to
detail.
Here the god’s face is contorted into an
expression of alarm, as is also suggested by
his
sudden turning back and with his arm raised
to
his head. It could be that this figurine was
part of
a set depicting a scene from a myth. His
cloak is
draped around his neck showing off his
heroic,
muscular physique. In his left hand he holds
a
laurel branch, one of his many attributes.
The purpose of such a figurine was likely to
have
been for private domestic worship, where
libations would be poured before him with
prayers being offered to invoke his guidance
or to
give thanks.
- (LK.116)
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