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Farnese Atlas

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description Farnese Atlas Overview

The Farnese Atlas is a 2nd-century CE Roman marble sculpture depicting the Titan Atlas bearing a celestial globe decorated with constellation figures. Standing approximately 2.1 meters tall, it is believed to be a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original and represents the earliest known sculptural depiction of Atlas with a celestial sphere. The sculpture has been housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples since the 18th century and has provided astronomers with insights into ancient Greek understanding of stellar positions.

help Farnese Atlas FAQ

Where is the Farnese Atlas sculpture currently located?

The Farnese Atlas is currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy. It has been part of the Farnese family's extensive collection of antiquities since the 16th century. The statue was famously unearthed in Rome near the Baths of Caracalla.

What makes the Farnese Atlas scientifically significant?

The globe resting on the Titan Atlas's shoulders contains the earliest known Western depiction of the constellations. Astronomers have studied the celestial globe to trace the exact night sky it represents, which dates back to the era of the Greek astronomer Hipparchus around 125 BCE.

How tall is the Farnese Atlas sculpture?

The sculpture stands at approximately 2.1 meters (about 7 feet) tall, making it significantly larger than a life-sized human. It is carved entirely from marble. The colossal size adds to the imposing, weight-bearing appearance of the figure.

Is the Farnese Atlas a Greek original or a Roman copy?

Art historians widely believe the Farnese Atlas is a 2nd-century CE Roman copy of an older Hellenistic Greek original. It exhibits the dramatic musculature and drapery typical of late Hellenistic art. The original sculpture is believed to have been cast in bronze.

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