Statue of Antinous (Delphi)

The Statue of Antinous found at Delphi is a marble sculpture depicting Antinous, the favorite and lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Discovered in 1894 during excavations at the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, it is one of the most well-preserved and celebrated representations of Antinous.

The statue is believed to have been dedicated to Antinous shortly after his death in 130 AD, potentially by Hadrian himself or another patron. It would have been placed prominently within the sanctuary, indicating Antinous' elevated status and the importance placed upon him by those who commissioned and dedicated the work.

The statue is carved from Pentelic marble and stands at an impressive height. Antinous is depicted in a classical pose, embodying idealized beauty and youth. His head is slightly inclined, and his gaze is directed downwards, conveying a sense of melancholic contemplation. The sculptor paid close attention to detail, capturing the soft features and distinctive hairstyle of Antinous, which are characteristic of his portraits.

The sculpture exhibits features that are both classical and innovative. While the pose and anatomical details adhere to classical canons of beauty, the emotional expressiveness and the emphasis on individual features mark it as a product of Hadrianic art.

The Statue of Antinous at Delphi provides valuable insight into the deification and veneration of Antinous within the Roman Empire, as well as the artistic styles and preferences of the Hadrianic period. It remains a key artifact for understanding Roman art, imperial cults, and the relationship between Hadrian and Antinous.