Farnese Hercules, Front

Creator

• Glykon

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

circa 216 CE replica of an original from 4th century BCE

Abstract

Total from front center

Keywords

Greek Hellenistic period, Sculpture (Visual works), Statues, Roman copy

Alt Text

A marble statue of a muscular man holding a large club, standing on a rocky base. The figure has detailed musculature and facial features.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Italy; Rome (Italy); Terme di Caracalla (Rome, Italy)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

This an ancient statue of the god Hercules made in the early third century CE and signed by Glykon, who is otherwise unknown, though he was an Athenian who may have worked in Rome. This is a copy of a Greek original bronze statue by Lysippos or someone of his school. The original version survived over 1,500 years until it was melted down by Crusaders in 1205 during the Sack of Constantinople. The enlarged copy was made for the Roman Baths of Caracalla, where the statue was recovered in 1546. Depicted is a muscular and weary Hercules leaning on his club, which has the skin of the Neman lion draped over it. Myths relating to the god state that killing the lion was his first task. He has just performed the final of The Twelve Labors, suggested by the apples of the Hesperides that he holds behind his back. The sculpture has been reassembled and restored to many degrees. The head was found separately in a well in Trastevere, according to a letter by Guglielmo della Porta. The statue moved to Naples in 1787 and is currently housed at the Naples National Archaeological Museum, Italy.

Identifier

A01-JGC0234

Recommended Citation

Glykon, "Farnese Hercules, Front" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 279.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/279