The Vatican Museums have proudly unveiled the restoration of one of their most prized possessions, the 2nd-century marble sculpture of Apollo Belvedere. This iconic artwork has captivated artists and poets for centuries and is now restored to its former glory.
Restoration experts meticulously worked on the sculpture for years, repairing fractures, cleaning it with lasers, and reinforcing its base with a carbon fiber pole. Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums, emphasized that this restoration reflects the institution's commitment to preserving its heritage while looking toward the future.
The Vatican Museums, renowned for their vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces, ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts, and the Apollo Belvedere, are a significant source of income for the Holy See. Attracting millions of visitors annually generates approximately $100 million in revenue.
The Apollo Belvedere, one of the museum's earliest acquisitions, depicts the god Apollo having just released an arrow. Famous for its intricate musculature and flowing hair, the sculpture is believed to be a Roman copy of a Greek bronze original.
In 2019, the statue was removed from public display due to the discovery of small fissures in its legs. Guy Devereux, a curator in the Museum's restoration workshop, described the structure's condition as "incredibly dramatic."
The restoration project was temporarily halted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to Italy's lockdowns but has now been completed. The Vatican Museums are thrilled to showcase this masterpiece to the world again.