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Statuette - Hercules and Antaeus

Hercules and Antaeus

  • Object:

    Statuette

  • Place of origin:

    Mantua, Italy (possibly, made)

  • Date:

    1520-1529 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Bronze

  • Credit Line:

    Bequeathed by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

  • Museum number:

    A.95-1956

  • Gallery location:

    Sculpture, room 111, case 4

  • Download image

The surface finish of a bronze often disguises how it was made. It is only when you study it closely – sometimes only by taking X-rays that allow you to see what has happened inside the bronze – that you can discover what casting method was used. At first glance these three bronzes look similar, but each one was made using a different technique. X-rays of this group show that the arms were cast separately and then joined to the torso.
It is adapted from a classical marble group then in the Cortile del Belvedere of the Vatican and now ion teh Palazzo Pitti in Florence.

Physical description

Hercules is shown lifting up Antaeus and holding him up in the air.

Place of Origin

Mantua, Italy (possibly, made)

Date

1520-1529 (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Bronze

Dimensions

Height: 25.5 cm

Object history note

Valued at $20,000 in October 1979.
Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1956.

Historical significance: This work is adapted from a classical marble group formerly in the Cortile del Belvedere of the Vatican and now in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence.

Descriptive line

Statuette, bronze, Hercules and Antaeus, Italian (possibly Mantua), ca. 1520s

Exhibition History

Gloria dell'Arte (Philbrook Art Museum 28/10/1979-27/01/1980)
The Rival of Nature (National Gallery (London) 10/06/1975-28/09/1975)

Production Note

Copy after the original antique from a classical marble group formerly in the Cortile del Belvedere of the Vatican and now in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence.

Materials

Bronze

Subjects depicted

Hercules; Antaeus

Categories

Sculpture; Myths & Legends

Collection code

SCP

Download image
Qr_O89495
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