A FLEMISH PATINATED BRONZE GROUP: HERCULES AND THE LERNAEAN HYDRA
Early 17th century
height 22 3/4in (53cm); width 9in (23cm); depth 7in (18cm); height of marble base 4in (10cm)
Footnotes:
The Baroque period developed an affinity for contrast, detail, movement, and vibrancy to create a sense of awe in its works of art. Mythology dominated this time period's subject matter, and the tales of Hercules were particularly popular.

This figural group depicts the second of his Twelve Labors, where the king of the Tiryns sent Hercules to defeat the Lernaean Hydra, a multiheaded aquatic serpentine monster. Hercules slayed the beast, whose head would multiply any time it was chopped off, with help from his nephew Iolaus, who burnt the neck of the beheaded creature using an enflamed sword.

This depiction of the myth varies from typical compositions. Here, Hercules is shown at a pause, opposed to the more traditional 'mid-clubbing' configuration. Hercules is captured in a more classical contrapposto pose, contemplating his heroism while the squealing serpent lays beneath his feet.

A similar model sold at Christie's, Paris, Miroir d'une Passion, provenant d'une collection européenne, 16 December 2009, lot 356A.

Provenance
J. Kugel Antiquaire, Paris, 14 April 1984.