The Vatican’s renowned Apollo Belvedere, a majestic marble statue of the Greek god Apollo, has recently returned to public view following a meticulous five-year restoration process. Standing at seven feet tall, this iconic sculpture was unearthed in the ruins of an ancient Roman house in 1489 and has been housed at the Vatican since the early 1500s, when Pope Julius II made the decision to bring it to the holy city. On October 15, the Vatican Museums proudly presented the newly restored Apollo Belvedere to the public.
During the restoration, experts focused on repairing cracks in the statue and utilized laser technology to clean the marble surface. Additionally, a carbon fiber pole was installed in the figure’s back to provide additional support and stability. Sabrina Zappia, president of the Italian and International Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, described the Apollo Belvedere as “one of the world’s most celebrated and recognizable masterpieces.”
Dating back to the second century C.E., the Apollo Belvedere depicts the god Apollo draped in a cloak, just after releasing an arrow. Originally, the statue would have held a bow in its left hand. It is believed to be a Roman replica of a lost Greek bronze statue created by the sculptor Leochares around 330 B.C.E. The sculpture is admired for its natural pose, intricate details such as the curled hair, and subtle musculature.
The restoration of the Apollo Belvedere began in 2019 when fractures were discovered in the statue’s legs. Guy Devreux, a curator at the Vatican Museums’ stone and marble restoration workshop, described the initial condition of the statue as “incredibly dramatic.” Despite facing delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, specialists persevered with the restoration efforts.
One of the challenges encountered during the restoration was the delicate handling required to preserve the statue’s integrity. Devreux explained that a new dynamic structural system based on carbon fiber was used to provide additional support and achieve remarkable results. This innovative approach was crucial in ensuring the longevity of the Apollo Belvedere.
This restoration is not the first time the Apollo Belvedere has undergone repairs. In 1532, Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a pupil of Michelangelo, replaced the statue’s damaged arms and added a tree trunk for the hand to rest on. With the latest restoration efforts, officials are optimistic that the beloved sculpture will remain upright and well-preserved for years to come.
Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, emphasized the importance of this restoration project in maintaining a balance between tradition, scholarship, and a forward-thinking perspective. The meticulous restoration of the Apollo Belvedere exemplifies the Vatican Museums’ commitment to preserving and showcasing invaluable artworks for future generations to appreciate and admire.
