Apollo Belvedere 1592 - 1600

Nicolaes Braeu created this engraving of the Apollo Belvedere around 1600. The image depicts the famous ancient sculpture and an artist copying it. The circulation of images like this one played a crucial role in spreading classical artistic ideals throughout Europe. The statue, rediscovered in the 15th century, became a touchstone for artists seeking to emulate classical beauty. The engraver's presence in the image acknowledges the importance of the antique not only to the culture of art but also to the institutional structure of artistic training in Northern Europe. We can use sources such as artist biographies and workshop records to learn more about the artistic life of the period. By studying this print, we gain insight into the social networks, the artistic values, and the institutions that shaped artistic production in the 17th century.