Not currently on display at the V&A

Hercules and Antaeus

Figure Group
late 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This statuette represents Hercules and Antaeus and is freely adapted from the larger group by Antonio del Pollaiuolo (1431-1498), which is in the Bargello, Florence.
Hercules, who wears the lion's pelt around his waist with the lion's mask facing backwards, lifts up Antaeus, who has his head thrown back and pushes against Hercules' head with his left hand. On a base that has claw feet and foliate motifs at the corners.

In this mythological combat, Hercules holds the giant Antaeus in the air in a vice-like grip, because Antaeus drew his strength from touching the earth.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHercules and Antaeus (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Figure group, bronze, Hercules and Antaeus, Italian, late 19th century
Physical description
Figure group of Hercules and Antaeus. Hercules, who wears the lion's pelt around his waist with the lion's mask facing backwards, lifts up Antaeus, who has his head thrown back, and pushes against Hercules' head with his left hand. Base has claw feet and foliate motifs at corners.
Dimensions
  • Height: 47.5cm
Object history
Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1956. Freely adapted from the larger group by Antonio del Pollaiuolo (1431-1498) in the Bargello, Florence.
Production
Freely adapted from the larger group by Antonio del Pollaiuolo (1431-1498)
Subjects depicted
Summary
This statuette represents Hercules and Antaeus and is freely adapted from the larger group by Antonio del Pollaiuolo (1431-1498), which is in the Bargello, Florence.
Hercules, who wears the lion's pelt around his waist with the lion's mask facing backwards, lifts up Antaeus, who has his head thrown back and pushes against Hercules' head with his left hand. On a base that has claw feet and foliate motifs at the corners.

In this mythological combat, Hercules holds the giant Antaeus in the air in a vice-like grip, because Antaeus drew his strength from touching the earth.
Collection
Accession number
A.73-1956

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Record createdMay 31, 2000
Record URL
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