This small bronze figure features the ancient hero Hercules as he carries the subdued Erymanthean Boar across his shoulder. The scene depicts the fourth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules, a series of tasks presumed impossible ordered by King Eurystheus. Antoine-Louis Barye (1796-1875) based this sculpture on a figure from a bronze set of statuettes created by Giambologna (1529-1608) for the Grand Duke Francesco I de'Medici of Tuscany (1541-1587). Barye preserves the animated, dynamic pose characteristic of Giambologna's figure, while adding a brilliant visual and tactile contrast by gilding the muscular body of Hercules, which appears smooth against the coarsely-treated bronze of the beast.
Hercules is gilded. This was the fourth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules.
After Giambologna (Douai 1529-1608 Florence).
Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.
Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.
Hercules Carrying the Erymanthean Boar
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Antoine-Louis Barye
1796-1875
Bronze, with gilded figure.
height: 5 1/8 inches (130 mm; including base), width: 3 3/8 inches (86 mm), depth 2 3/16 inches (54 mm); base: 2 3/16 inches (54 mm) wide, 3 5/16 inches (83 mm) long
AZ043
Notes:
Inscription:
Inscription on base: "Barye".
Provenance:
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan from Glaenzer, 1908.
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