Belvedere Torso

The Belvedere Torso is a fragmented marble statue of a nude male, believed to be a copy from the 1st century BC or AD of an even older statue, possibly dating back to the early 2nd century BC. The figure is seated on what appears to be an animal hide, but its precise identification remains disputed. Traditionally, it was thought to represent Heracles resting on the Nemean lion's skin. However, more recent studies have suggested other possibilities, such as it depicting Hercules, Polyphemus, Marsyas, or Ajax in a moment of despair.

The statue first appeared in the collection of Cardinal Prospero Colonna in Rome in 1433. It rapidly became an essential piece in the classical revival, inspiring artists like Michelangelo and Raphael with its dynamic pose and detailed musculature. A famous story recounts that Pope Julius II once asked Michelangelo to complete the statue, but he declined. Instead, Michelangelo used it as a source of inspiration for various works, including parts of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

During the Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque periods, the Belvedere Torso was highly esteemed by artists and continues to be admired today. By the mid-16th century, it had become part of the Vatican collections and was displayed in the Cortile del Belvedere alongside other renowned Roman sculptures. Although the exact timeline of the statue's journey to the Vatican is unclear, it has since become a highlight of their museum.

In the 16th century, several small bronze replicas of the Belvedere Torso were crafted, often depicting it as a seated Hercules. In 2015, the statue traveled to the British Museum for an exhibition on the human body in ancient Greek art, continuing its legacy of influence and admiration.