Unknown artist

Farnese Hercules

Farnese Hercules by Unknown artist

Artwork Detail

The marble Farnese Hercules (2.17 metres tall) was found in 1540 in the Baths of Caracalla, Rome, and is now held in the Museo Nazionale, Naples. In this bronze copy, the hero is shown leaning on his club after his Twelve Labours. Two of the trophies resulting from these are shown: the Nemean lion’s pelt draped over the club and the Apples of the Hesperides which he holds behind his back. The original sculpture proved hugely influential in the arts, and was often used to symbolise strength or fortitude. (Venus Rising, 2005)

Title
Farnese Hercules
Artist/creator
Unknown artist
Production date
circa 1830
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
736 x 330 x 260 mm
Credit line
Mackelvie Trust Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, bequest of James Tannock Mackelvie, 1885
Accession no
M1885/1/174
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Department
International Art
Display status
Not on display

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