Vatican Museums

Following the volumes dedicated to the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael, the Face to Face with Masterpieces series now turns its attention to the iconic sculptural groups of the Octagonal Court. An introductory art-historical essay traces the genesis of this porticoed area, conceived under Pope Julius II as the original nucleus of the papal collections and transformed, in the late 18^th century, into the centrepiece of the new museum layout.

The publication provides a detailed analysis of seven of the most celebrated works that have made this site unique: the Laocoön, the Belvedere Apollo, the Belvedere Hermes, the River God, the Venus Felix, Perseus Triumphant, and the Boxers. Each sculpture is accompanied by a rich section of photographic plates offering unusual viewpoints and surprising details of the marble surfaces, allowing the reader to fully appreciate their exquisite craftsmanship. The work concludes with a selected bibliography gathering the most significant titles on this famous Vatican space, providing a valuable study tool for experts and art enthusiasts alike.