Φωτοβόλος Απόλλων (Fotovolos Apollon)
Striking similarities with the Statue of Liberty
On 7 September, 2009 I had the privilege of visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth. As soon as I saw the Apollo sculpture, what struck me immediately was the resemblance to the Statue of Liberty!
The pictures I took of Fotovolos Apollo are shown below, including a layover image of the Statue of Liberty (click image to enlarge).
The ancient tablet is placed between two statues and has three sculptures. According to archaeologists:
- In the middle is Fotovolos Apollo1 (or Fotoforos Apollo)2) represented as a solar diety (Sun-god Helios) beaming bright light enlightening the world.
- To his left is goddess Hekate (in the form of an angel), daughter of the Titanes Perses and Asteria from whom she received her power over heaven, earth, and sea. Hekate assisted Demeter in her search for Persephone, guiding her through the night with flaming torches. After the mother-daughter reunion she became Persephone’s minister and companion in Haides.
- And to his right a four-leaf Rodakas (Rosette), believed to be a wild rose. Rodakas usually seen in ancient Greek-Mycenaean jewels, among its other decorative uses in architecture and pottery.
The significance of this sculpture of Apollo in relationship to the Statue of Liberty (modeled by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi) is of extreme importance.
- – Apollo’s image is strikingly similar in facial expression.
- – Details of the seven beams of light are in exact same position with those in the Statue of Liberty.
- – Fotovolos (beams of bright light) Apollon has the same meaning as the official name of the Statue of Liberty: “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
Evidence shows that Bartholdi was inspired by the Apollo sculpture rather than it just being a coincidence. Should this striking resemblance be recognized as the creative influence of Hellenistic art? If so, this should be acknowledged with credit given to the Ancient Greek sculpture of Φωτοβόλος Απόλλων, as the source of influence and inspiration for the Statue of Liberty’s facial appearance.
Image overlay – Statue of Liberty head on Apollo sculpture
- Fotovolos – compound word: Foto-volos, projecting light
- Fotoforos – wearing light
Thanos Voudouris
Content and image use by permission.