75. Lysippos (c. 395-305 B.C.E.), Hercules Farnese,

Baths of Caracalla, Rome, Roman copy made c. 216 C.E.

by Glycon of Athens of a Greek original, Greek,

Classical style, 4th century B.C.E. Marble,

height: 317 cm. (without pedestal 292 cm).

Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.

 

 

This representation of Hercules Farnese is most likely an enlarged Roman copy made in the early third century C.E. of the original by Lysippos. The copy is assumed to have been made for the Baths of Caracalla in Rome where it was excavated in 1546. It is a massive muscular marble statue modelled after a bronze cast that was made through the lost wax casting method. It depicts a fatigued Hercules leaning on his giant club that is draped with the pelt of a Nemean lion. He is performing the last of The Twelve Labours, which is suggested by the Apples of Hesperides that he holds behind his back with his right hand. When the sculpture was discovered it was found in separate pieces and over time has been reassembled and restored.

 

 

Lysippos

(c. 395 – 305 B.C.E.)

 

The Greek sculptor Lysippos was at the head of the School of Argos and Sicyon at the time of Philip and Alexander of Macedonia. His masterpieces amount up to about 1500 works including many statues that are colossal in size. He was particularly innovative in his perception of male body proportions. Contrary to his predecessors, he would reduce the size of the head and sculpt a strong, slender body, giving the impression of a taller almost imposing sculpture.