Plate 4: Apollo; statue of the nude god standing on a socle, wearing a crown and holding a scepter in his right hand and an orb in his left; from 'Statues of Roman Gods' after Jacques Jonghelinck 1586

Philips Galle created this print of Apollo after Jacques Jonghelinck in the late 16th century. The composition is dominated by the commanding figure of the nude god, meticulously rendered with fine lines to define his muscular form. His regal bearing is emphasized by a crown and symbolic objects – a scepter and an orb. The artwork's formal structure speaks to the period's fascination with classical ideals and the Renaissance rediscovery of the human form. The strategic use of line and form serves not merely to depict Apollo but also to imbue him with a sense of divine authority and intellectual prowess. This engraving participates in a broader dialogue about the representation of power, knowledge, and the human condition. It suggests that through the formal perfection of the artwork, we can glimpse a reflection of humanity's aspirations towards order, reason, and a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos.