In early-eighteenth-century Russia pieces of sculpture became a vehicle for the new ideas of the European Enlightenment and invariable attributes of grand St Petersburg houses. Preference when purchasing sculpture was given to contemporary craftsmen who worked to commission on a given subject. The works of ancient sculptors were also very highly prized and acquired whenever possible: such works were collected by those of high rank across Europe.The palace and garden of St Petersburg's Governor General Prince Alexander Menshikov contained no fewer than 17 statues and 6 busts on pedestals.

Apollo, the god of the sun and patron of the arts was one of the most popular classical deities in the age of Peter the Great. Earthly monarchs were often depicted in the guise of the sun god.

This sculpture occupies a central position by the main staircase set against the background of the glazed doors leading to the garden. The statue was said to have been found in the Greek Peloponnese.