At the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, a breathtaking marvel from the past stands tall—the Farnese Atlas. This imposing 1.85-meter (about 6 feet) marble sculpture, hailing from the 2nd century AD, captures the imagination with its rich history and artistry. Part of the illustrious Farnese collection, this masterpiece was unearthed in 1546 at the grand Terme di Caracalla in Rome. Its journey through time saw it captured by Charles III of Bourbon, who lovingly transported it to Naples in 1787.
With an extraordinary level of detail, the sculpture reveals the Titan Atlas burdened with the celestial globe resting upon his shoulders, adorned with 43 intricately carved constellations. What truly distinguishes this Roman copy is its masterful portrayal of the celestial sphere, making the Farnese globe a paramount testament to the astronomical knowledge of ancient Greek-Hellenistic culture. This exceptional representation, safeguarded through the ages notably by the renowned works of Ptolemy, not only educated but also fascinated minds throughout the Renaissance, shaping the very way humanity envisioned the cosmos within the realms of art and science.
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