Hercules and Antaeus
Statuette
ca. 1550-1600 (made)
ca. 1550-1600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This small, finely-carved group, representing Hercules and Antaeus, would have been displayed in a cabinet of curiosities. In the combat, Hercules holds the giant Antaeus in the air in a vice-like grip, because Antaeus drew his strength from touching the earth.
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.
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 | |
| Title | Hercules and Antaeus (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Boxwood |
| Brief description | Statuette, wood, Hercules and Antaeus, by the Master H.I.S., Netherlandish, ca. 1550-1600 |
| Physical description | Hercules with his right leg forward, holds Antaeus over his rioght hip. Antaeus' left arm is upraised, and his right hand is on Hercules' left shoulder. The lion's skin is between Hercules' legs on the base. The fingers of Hercules' right hand, and fingers and thumb of Antaeus' left hand are missing. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Given by Dr. W.L. Hildburgh FSA. |
| Historical context | This small, finely-carved group would have been displayed in a cabinet of curiosities. In the combat, Hercules holds the giant Antaeus in the air in a vice-like grip, because Antaeus drew his strength from touching the earth. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This small, finely-carved group, representing Hercules and Antaeus, would have been displayed in a cabinet of curiosities. In the combat, Hercules holds the giant Antaeus in the air in a vice-like grip, because Antaeus drew his strength from touching the earth. 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. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.1-1951 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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