This statue was found in the ruins of the so-called Villa of Cassius in
1774, and was added to the Vatican collection.
The rich and flowing draperies in which Apollo is clothed give the
statue an almost feminine fulness of form. Although only indifferently
executed, it has a graceful movement which renders it impressive. It is
evidently a copy of a famous original, some critics say of Scopas.
The god is represented as gliding forward in the dance in which he
leads the Muses.
[Illustration]
Calliope.
“The Beautiful Voiced.”
“_Land of the Muse! within thy bowers
Her soul entrancing echoes rang.
While on their course the rapid hours
Paused at the melody she sang--
Till every grove and every hill
And every stream that flowed along
From morn to night repeated still
The winning harmony of song._”