'The Sculpture'

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The sculpture is a masterpiece created by Adolfo Apolloni (Rome, 1855-1923), acquired by the National Academy of San Luca through the Müller Prize in 1911 [1]. The subject is depicted as a nude female figure, characterized by classic proportions and an appearance that embodies timeless elegance. She stands precariously on a block of marble, partially blank, as she engages in the act of sculpting a statue - its arms, back, and head emerging from the stone, with newly defined features visible behind her. The sculpture's placement against the wall creates a challenging viewing experience, limiting both rear and side vision. As a result, the immediate understanding of the subject depicted is compromised, providing a pretext for a demonstration of "teaching" different levels of image definition carved into the marble using various tools: the chisel and mallet held in her hands personify the art of sculpture. Apolloni's art, on full display here, is a quintessential example of eclecticism. By drawing extensively from classical models filtered through the vision of Michelangelo and Bernini, he aims to create a representative image of Italian genius that reflects current trends and symbolist art nouveau. This approach yields results similar to those achieved in architecture by Sacconi, as noted by Emilio Lavagnino (1956). Notably, Apolloni participated in the creation of a bronze winged victory, a testament to his versatility. After graduating with an engineering degree, Apolloni trained as a sculptor at the Accademia di San Luca. He later moved to the United States, settling first in Boston and then Providence. Returning to Rome in 1883, he held prominent positions in both artistic and political circles. As a member of the Accademia di San Luca since 1903, Apolloni served as its president from 1914-15 and again from 1919-20. He played a significant role in public life as a sculptor. In his later years, Apolloni devoted himself to politics, serving as councilor for Antiquities and Fine Arts at the City of Rome in 1904, deputy mayor in 1914, and mayor from 1919 to 1920. He was finally appointed senator from 1919 to 1921. Additionally, he founded the School of Industrial Art in Fano, now known as the State Institute of Art, which bears his name and preserves many of his works in bronze and plaster, including a copy of this very sculpture. Apolloni also participated in the Committee for the restoration of Marco Aurelio's equestrian group, concluding their efforts in 1912 with a detailed report containing important technical notations.