The Apotheosis of Homer
- Gallery: Room 22
- Maker: Archelaos of Priene
- Culture: Ptolemaic
- Made in: Alexandria (Egypt) (probably)
- Date: 225BC-205BC
- Object type: relief
- Materials: marble
- Museum number: 1819,0812.1
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
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About this object
This is "The Apotheosis of Homer," a marble relief created by the sculptor Archelaos of Priene. It depicts the ancient poet Homer being honored by powerful figures. Zeus and Apollo appear above, while the Muses gather beside him. Time and the World crown Homer, symbolizing his lasting influence. Other personifications also celebrate him, reinforcing his greatness in art and history.
Made in Alexandria around 225–205 BC, this relief reflects a Hellenistic style known for its emotional energy and attention to detail. Before being displayed here, it once belonged to the Palazzo Colonna and was sold at auction in London in 1804.
The relief was purchased from a dealer and later entered the collection. It offers a rare glimpse of how Homer’s legacy was visually honored in classical art.
See it in person
The Apotheosis of Homer is on display in Room 22 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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