The photograph titled “Apollo,” taken by the artist Robert Mapplethorpe in 1988, depicts a side profile of what appears to be a statue. The statue is likely a representation of Apollo, the Greek god associated with many aspects, including music, art, and the sun. The composition of the photo is stark, with a high-contrast look that accentuates the smooth lines and curves of the statue’s facial features. The photographed subject is positioned against a pitch-black background, which serves to highlight the luminosity and fine details of the sculpture’s face. The image focuses on portions of the face—in particular, the forehead, nose, lips, and chin, revealing a serene and classical beauty associated with sculptures from antiquity.
