The Museo Pio-Clementino houses an ancient Roman sculpture known as the Hermes. This piece is a significant part of the Vatican collections in Rome. The sculpture was long admired as the Belvedere Antinous due to its prominent placement in the Cortile del Belvedere. However, it is now recognized as a representation of Hermes, a familiar Praxitelean type.
The Hermes sculpture in the Museo Pio-Clementino is believed to be a Hadrianic copy from the early second century AD. It is thought to be a replica of a bronze sculpture by Praxiteles or one of his students. The statue stands at 1.95 m tall and depicts a nude young man with a chlamys on his shoulder and left forearm.
The Hermes sculpture was studied and praised by the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens during his stay in Rome in the early 17th century. He admired its beauty and proportions, which likely inspired him in his own work, including the figure of Christ in the central panel of The Rockox Triptych painted in 1615.
History & Anthropology Art & Design Ancient art Person & Artist
Monday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
Tuesday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
Wednesday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
Thursday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
Friday | 8:00 – 20:00 |
Saturday | 8:00 – 20:00 |
Sunday | Closed |
Last Sunday of the month
9:00 -14:00
VA, Cdad. del Vaticano, Vatican City
No exhibitions in Pio Clementino Museum have been found.
Pio Clementino Museum has 1 rating.
The Pio Clementino Museum, located within the Vatican Museums complex in Vatican City, is a treasure trove of classical antiquities. Visitors consistently praise the museum's extensive collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, including iconic pieces like the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and His Sons. The museum's architecture, particularly the octagonal Sala delle Muse and the grand Sala Rotonda, adds to the overall experience, creating a stunning backdrop for the artworks.
Many reviewers appreciate the historical significance and artistic quality of the exhibits, noting that each piece seems carefully curated and beautifully presented. The museum offers a comprehensive look at ancient art, from busts of emperors to intricate mosaics and frescoes.
However, some visitors mention that the museum can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, which may impact the viewing experience. A few reviews also note that the sheer volume of art can be overwhelming, and suggest allocating enough time to fully appreciate the collection.
The lighting and information provided for each exhibit generally receive positive feedback, though a small number of visitors suggest that more detailed descriptions would enhance the experience.
Overall, the Pio Clementino Museum is highly regarded for its world-class collection of classical art and its role in preserving and showcasing ancient cultural heritage. Despite minor criticisms about crowds, it remains a highlight of many visitors' trips to the Vatican Museums.
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