Apollo and Marsyas

Roman 15th Century, after the Antique

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a small, round relief depicting three figures interacting with each other. To the left, there is an elderly figure who appears to be in a seated position on a rock. In the center and right, there is a standing figure with a drapery partially covering the lower body, playing a lyre. A small, winged child figure appears to be engaged with the standing figure, reaching up towards them. Behind the figures, there is a tree. The sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a warm, metallic brown color. The piece is crafted with detailed textures and contours of the figures, showing intricate craftsmanship, with each character distinctly represented within the small circular frame.