description Farnese Collection Hercules Overview
The Farnese Hercules is a massive Roman marble statue carved in the early third century CE by the sculptor Glykon, copying a lost Greek bronze original by Lysippos. Discovered in 1546 at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, the sculpture depicts a weary Hercules leaning on his club, which is draped with the skin of the Nemean lion. The statue stood in the courtyard of the Farnese Palace before being moved to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. It is a primary subject of study for classicists and art historians examining ancient sculpture and Hellenistic copying traditions.
help Farnese Collection Hercules FAQ
Where is the Farnese Hercules statue currently located?
The massive marble statue is currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples as part of the famous Farnese Collection. It was famously unearthed in Rome in the 16th century at the Baths of Caracalla.
Who originally sculpted the Farnese Hercules?
The Farnese Hercules is a renowned Roman marble copy carved in the 3rd century CE, but it was modeled after a lost Greek original. The original bronze statue is historically attributed to the famous Greek sculptor Lysippos in the 4th century BCE.
Why is the Farnese Hercules so famous?
The sculpture is celebrated for its massive scale and intricate detail, depicting the mythological hero Hercules exhausted and leaning on his club. It became one of the most admired and replicated works of art during the Renaissance.
How was the Farnese Hercules restored after being discovered?
When the statue was excavated from the Baths of Caracalla, it was missing its lower legs, which were initially restored by sculptor Guglielmo della Porta. Michelangelo famously argued that the original pose should not be restored, though the statue's true legs were eventually found and reattached years later.
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