Apollo, God of the Sun, son of Zeus and Leto,
twin brother of Artemis, is one of the most
important figures in the Olympian pantheon and
the only Roman god to retain his original Greek
identity. Apollo was the god of the arts,
specifically music and poetry. One of his
attributes is the lyre given to him by Mercury.
Apollo was the father of the famed poet and
tragic lover Orpheus and was a patron of the
Muses. He was a master archer and a fleet-
footed athlete, credited with having been the
first victor in the Olympic games. Thus he is
often depicted with a bow and quiver, crowned
by a laurel wreath, a sign of victors much like
gold medals are today. He was also associated
with law, medicine, and philosophy.
The victorious Sun God strolls triumphantly,
mounted on a proud stallion. The horse raises
his front leg forward as he gallantly prances
along, adorned with an ornate, elaborate bridle
and saddle. The figure of Apollo comfortable
controls the steed without holding the reins. The
laurel wreath is seen crowning his head. His
tunic wraps around his shoulder and flays in the
breeze. In his right hand, Apollo holds a disc,
perhaps an allusion to his Olympic competitions.
The quiver on his back also enforces this idea.
Overall, this diminutive sculpture is full of an
energy and spirit much greater than its size.
Such a noble work of art might have once
honored an ancient athlete upon a great victory.
Yet while victory is fleeting, the beauty of this
stunning sculpture is eternal
- (FZ.392)
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