Hercules and the dead Antaeus
Plaquette
late 15th century to early 16th century (made)
late 15th century to early 16th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This plaquette depicts Hercules and Antaeus and is made by Moderno.
Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology and represents the characteristics of masculinity, strength, courage and sexual prowess. Antaneus was a Greek giant, the son of Poseidon and Gaia, and was extremely strong and invulnerable, as long as he kept contact with the ground. Hercules discovered the secret, lifted him from the earth and then strangled him.
Moderno (Galeazzo Mondella) (1467-1528) is the pseudonym of this goldsmith and medallist active in North Italy and later in Rome. He signed certain pieces of his work with OPUS MODERNI (opus is the Latin term for 'work' - which then means 'work of the modern'). The modern here is referring to the Ancient World, in contrary to the Naturalism of the Gothic. His earliest works may date around 1485-1490, and his earliest dated work is 1490.
Moderno specialised in small bronze plaquettes exploring religious or antique themes, and catered for a clientele of learned humanists.
Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology and represents the characteristics of masculinity, strength, courage and sexual prowess. Antaneus was a Greek giant, the son of Poseidon and Gaia, and was extremely strong and invulnerable, as long as he kept contact with the ground. Hercules discovered the secret, lifted him from the earth and then strangled him.
Moderno (Galeazzo Mondella) (1467-1528) is the pseudonym of this goldsmith and medallist active in North Italy and later in Rome. He signed certain pieces of his work with OPUS MODERNI (opus is the Latin term for 'work' - which then means 'work of the modern'). The modern here is referring to the Ancient World, in contrary to the Naturalism of the Gothic. His earliest works may date around 1485-1490, and his earliest dated work is 1490.
Moderno specialised in small bronze plaquettes exploring religious or antique themes, and catered for a clientele of learned humanists.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Hercules and the dead Antaeus (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Bronze |
Brief description | Plaquette, bronze, Hercules and Antaeus, by Moderno, North Italy, late 15th to early 16th century |
Physical description | Hercules standing, naked except for the lion's skin over his shoulders. leaning on his club and looking down at the dead body of Antaeus. |
Dimensions |
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Object history | From the Salting bequest. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This plaquette depicts Hercules and Antaeus and is made by Moderno. Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology and represents the characteristics of masculinity, strength, courage and sexual prowess. Antaneus was a Greek giant, the son of Poseidon and Gaia, and was extremely strong and invulnerable, as long as he kept contact with the ground. Hercules discovered the secret, lifted him from the earth and then strangled him. Moderno (Galeazzo Mondella) (1467-1528) is the pseudonym of this goldsmith and medallist active in North Italy and later in Rome. He signed certain pieces of his work with OPUS MODERNI (opus is the Latin term for 'work' - which then means 'work of the modern'). The modern here is referring to the Ancient World, in contrary to the Naturalism of the Gothic. His earliest works may date around 1485-1490, and his earliest dated work is 1490. Moderno specialised in small bronze plaquettes exploring religious or antique themes, and catered for a clientele of learned humanists. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.442-1910 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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