Hercules Farnese Naples Circa 1850

Hercules Farnese
Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture,
Italy Naples, second half of the 19th century
It is the classic depiction of Hercule Farnese after antiquity. The original of the sculpture is on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Hercules is leaning relaxed on a club on which the skin of the Nemean lion is lying.
Hercules' fight against the Nemean lion comes from Greek mythology and is the first of the twelve tasks of Hercules Farnese.

His right arm is bent behind his body, in his hand he holds three (golden) apples, which refer to the three nymphs (Hesperidia) from Greek mythology (Hesperusa, Hesperethusa and Hespereia).

The Hesperidia guarded a beautiful garden with golden apples that Zeus had grown. In earthly mythology, the Hesperidian apples are mentioned in the tale Aided Chlainne Tuirenn.

Bronze in masterful workmanship.

A rare collector's item!