Artwork Information

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)