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after Giambologna , Italian, 1529-1608

Title

Hercules Clubbing the Lernaean Hydra

Datec.1650

MediumBronze

Dimensions

40.2 cm

Credit LineMilltown Gift, 1902

Object numberNGI.8121

Label TextHercules was commanded by Eurysteus, King of Tiryns, to perform labours in penance for slaying his own children. The canon of twelve was established in Ancient Greece and they have come to symbolise human strength and endurance. The Hydra had heads which grew back twofold when struck off. Hercules successfully defeated it by using a club and a burning torch. Giambologna settled in Florence and was a leading sculptor to the Medici, admired for the flowing outline of his figures, in bronze and marble. Francesco I de’Medici commissioned bronzes of six labours of Hercules for the Uffizi Tribuna, which were carried out c.1582-89.