This statue is given the highest place of honor in Europe’s most
celebrated sculpture gallery, the Belvedere of the Vatican. It was
discovered in 1503, amid the ruins of Antium and was purchased by Pope
Julius II., who removed it to Rome.
It is for the modern world one of the most popular statues of the
ancient world. Though it has been much studied and admired there has
been a question as to its exact meaning. Collignon says that the object
in the hand is a fragment of the Ægis with the Medusa head with which
Apollo routed his enemies. Others think from the position and the
quiver strap across the breast that the god is represented immediately
after his victory over the Python.
[Illustration]
Niobe.
“The Mater Dolorosa of Antique Art.”
“_To stone the gods have changed her but in vain;
The sculptor’s art has made her breathe again._”
--GREEK EPIGRAM.