Not currently on display at the V&A

Hercules and Deianira

Statuette
ca. 1600 - ca. 1650 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This bronze group represents Hercules and his wife Deianira. They are standing side by side, naked, embracing each other.
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. His wife Deinaira was the daughter of the river-god Oeneus.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHercules and Deianira (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Statuette, bronze, Hercules and Deianira, Italian or French, 17th century
Physical description
Hercules - naked - is embracing the naked Deianira at his right. In his left he holds the club.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18.2cm
Object history
Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1956.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This bronze group represents Hercules and his wife Deianira. They are standing side by side, naked, embracing each other.
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. His wife Deinaira was the daughter of the river-god Oeneus.
Collection
Accession number
A.45-1956

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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