Famous Atlas Sculpture on Display in Rome

Atlas, in Greek mythology, was a Titan, a primordial demi-god, sentenced to supporting the dome of the heavens on his shoulders for picking the losing side in a rebellion against the rulers of heaven.

This famous sculpture of Atlas was carved by an unknown artist in the 2nd century A.D., probably copied form an earlier Greek statue. The globe of the heavens on Atlas’s back displays all the known constellations of the day.

The statue is currently on display in Rome’s Farnese Palace, part of an exhibition exploring the palace’s history from the 16th century until today, according to Getty Images. The exhibition, featuring some 150 works of art, runs from Dec. 17, 2010, to April 27, 2011.