Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Apollo Belvedere explained
This chapter describes the Apollo Belvedere, a highly esteemed ancient Roman marble statue of Apollo, over seven feet tall, depicted naked except for a cloak.
What happens
This chapter describes the Apollo Belvedere, a highly esteemed ancient Roman marble statue of Apollo, over seven feet tall, depicted naked except for a cloak. The statue is believed to represent Apollo in the moment after shooting an arrow to destroy the monster Python, capturing the god's graceful majesty and triumphant power.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Heroism and the Quest
Apollo's slaying of the monster Python exemplifies the heroic quest to vanquish a monstrous foe.
- Hubris and Divine Retribution
The statue captures Apollo's divine power and the retribution visited upon Python, a symbol of chaos.
Characters to notice
- Phoebus Apollo
The subject of the statue, depicted as a victorious god having just slain the monster Python.
Key passages
“The most highly esteemed of all the remains of ancient sculpture is the statue of Apollo, called the Belvedere, from the name of the apartment of the Pope’s palace at Rome in which it was placed.”
The Apollo Belvedere, named after the room in the Pope's Roman palace where it resides, is the most admired surviving ancient sculpture.
Introduces the statue's name and location.
“It is supposed to represent the god in the moment when he has shot the arrow to destroy the monster Python.”
The statue is thought to depict Apollo just after firing an arrow to kill the serpent Python.
Describes the mythological moment captured in the sculpture.
