A Roman Marble Statue of Apollo, Roman Imperial Period, ca. late second century CE

Facing forward, the face is serene, the eyes recessed and lips pursed, with long upswept hair radiating from the crown, surmounted by a wreath of laurel, and bound at the back of the head, falling in a tapering plait over the nape of the neck and shoulders, a chlamys clasped at the right shoulder and falling over the left arm and back, and a quiver slung across the right shoulder.

Apollo, god of the arts, healing, truth, prophecy, archery, and light, was one of the most important deities in the Greco-Roman pantheon. The epitome of youth and beauty, he was almost always depicted as a beardless youth either naked or cloaked. He is easily identified with either a kithara or a lyre, a  bronze tripod (signifying his oracle at Delphi), a deer, or a bow and quiver, and is occasionally portrayed riding a chariot pulled by lions or swans.

Dimensions: Height: 9 inches (22.5 cm), Mounted height: 13 inches (33 cm)

Condition: Incomplete from the waist down, overall expected ancient wear and minor chips to the body. On museum quality custom mount.

Provenance: Paul Ilton (1904-1958) private collection, then by descent to his son Arie Ilton. During his lifetime, Paul Ilton was internationally known as an archaeologist, lecturer, teacher, film consultant and author, personally excavating collection objects during his 25 years in the Holy Land.