Apollo 1588

Hendrick Goltzius’s 1588 engraving "Apollo" depicts the Greek god of the sun, music, and poetry in a classical nude pose, standing on a rocky outcrop with the sun radiating from his head. Apollo stands facing the viewer, and his powerful physique highlights the artist’s emphasis on muscularity and anatomical detail. He holds a lyre, a symbol of his role as the patron of music and poetry. The engraving’s dynamic composition creates a sense of movement and energy, emphasizing the god’s divine power. This artwork is a perfect example of the Northern Renaissance style, which emphasized precise detail and intricate rendering.