Apollo and Marsyas

Roman 15th Century, after the Antique

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts two main figures and a smaller figure. On the left, there is a bearded man with a muscular build, hunched over and possibly carrying or being supported by the smaller figure beneath him. His hair and beard appear textured, and he is only partially clothed with a garment over one shoulder. On the right stands a taller, more statuesque figure, likely female, draped partially in cloth, with an upward stance. This figure holds a lyre in her right hand. The smaller figure appears to be reaching up toward the taller figure's draped garment. The sculpture is crafted from a bronze-like material, exhibiting a dark brown color with highlights. The entire piece is oval-shaped with a small hole at the top. The background shows faint trees and foliage.