The seated torso of a male figure signed by the Greek sculptor Apollonios was found in Rome during the papacy of Julius II, and admired by Michelangelo. It was housed in the Belvedere in the Vatican, perhaps the first purpose built art gallery. In his discussion of mere excellence of form in Discourse Ten, 1780, Reynolds refers to the Belvedere Torso as an example:
But as a stronger instance that this excellence alone inspires sentiment, what artist ever looked at the Torso without feeling a warmth of enthusiasm, as from the highest efforts of poetry? From whence does this proceed? What is there in this fragment that produces this effect, but the perfection of the science of abstract form. ( Reynolds, Discourses, p. 177)
See Ruskin and the Italian School.
Apollonius of Athens, son of Nestor 1 B.C. (second half)
Belvedere Torso 1 B.C.
Marble statue, 158.75cm in height
Provenance: Formerly in the Palazzo Colonna from 1433, later acquired by Julius II; in the Vatican from 1523-1534. Called the Belvedere Torso as it was first placed in the Belvedere Courtyard in the Vatican
Further Comments: It was modelled on a 4th Century Greek sculpture.
Collection: Pio-Clementino Museum, Vatican, Rome
For a reproduction of this artistic work, please consult: Ferrari, Oreste, Treasures of the Vatican, (Thames and Hudson, 1971), p.262