Apollo as the Genius of the Arts

Apollo, the Classical god of light, poetry, music, healing and prophecy, was often used to represent the trades, arts and professions. Here he is their protector. There is a bird of prey on his shoulder and a lamb by his left foot. He wears a laurel wreath on his head and carries a pomegranate. The figure is naked except for narrow red bands to which are attached the symbols of trades, professions, crafts and artistic pursuits of the many guilds of the time. Decoration is confined to the front of the statue suggesting that the piece was made to stand in a corner. The feet are not original. Augsburg, Germany.