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Not currently on display at the V&A

Hercules

Statuette
late 16th century-early 17th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This bronze statuette depicts Hercules in the act of preparing himself to strike a blow with a club. With his body weight resting on his right leg, he holds the club with both hands, lifting it above his right shoulder.
Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology. He was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena, a Theban princess. He is regarded as the embodiment of physical strength and courage. His two main attributes are the club and the lion's skin, which he won at his first labour. He had to undertake 12 labours as a penance for slaying his own children in an act of madness.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHercules (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gilt bronze
Brief description
Statuette, bronze, Hercules, possibly by the Ciechanowiecki Master, Italy (possibly Rome), late 16th century-early 17th century
Physical description
Bronze statuette depicting Hercules in the act of preparing himself to strike a blow with a club. With his body weight resting on his right leg, he holds the club with both hands, lifting it above his right shoulder.
Dimensions
  • Object alone height: 33.3cm
  • Object alone width: 17.5cm
  • Object alone depth: 11.2cm
  • With base height: 41cm
  • With base depth: 16.6cm
  • With base width: 20.9cm
Object history
Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1956.
Production
also possibly 19th century
Subjects depicted
Summary
This bronze statuette depicts Hercules in the act of preparing himself to strike a blow with a club. With his body weight resting on his right leg, he holds the club with both hands, lifting it above his right shoulder.
Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology. He was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena, a Theban princess. He is regarded as the embodiment of physical strength and courage. His two main attributes are the club and the lion's skin, which he won at his first labour. He had to undertake 12 labours as a penance for slaying his own children in an act of madness.
Collection
Accession number
A.93-1956

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Record createdJune 29, 2007
Record URL
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