Apollo Sitting on the Omphalos

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

5th century BCE

Abstract

Full length right front view

Keywords

Greek Hellenistic period, Sculpture, Omphalos, Himations

Alt Text

A stone statue of a seated figure with draped clothing, holding an object in one hand and resting the other on their knee. The base features intricate carvings resembling an omphalos.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Egypt; Alexandria (Egypt)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

The statue depicts the Greek god Apollo seated in a lounging position. He sits on a cone-shaped omphalos covered in a net. This was a sacred stone that represented the navel of the world in Greek mythology. The omphalos is associated with Delphi and the myth of Zeus and Cronus, where a stone covered in swaddling clothing was substituted for the infant Zeus to deceive his opponent. In this statue Apollo is portrayed semi-nude, with a long himation draped over his lap and legs. His left arm rests on his thigh and the right is raised, holding an object. The elongated, slender limbs and drapery signal the fourth-century Hellenistic style. This example is unique as most representations of Apollo depict him standing in a contrapposto stance with his weight on the right leg with the left relaxed. By placing Apollo on the omphalos, the sculpture visually affirms his role as a god of music, prophecy, and divine mediation, linking him to the sacred geography of Ancient Greece. The provenance is not confirmed, though it was bought in Alexandria in 1892, and was possibly found in a region of the city.

Identifier

A01-JGC0196

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Apollo Sitting on the Omphalos" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 250.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/250