Hercules and Antaeus

<p>Both this bronze and <a href="https://www.artic.edu/artworks/30358/hercules-and-lichas">it’s companion</a> depict the legendary labors of Hercules, a frequent subject in Renaissance and later art. The figures may derive from a lost series of silver statuettes after models by sculptor <a href="https://www.artic.edu/artists/50313/giovanni-da-bologna">Giambologna</a> and were likely cast by his leading workshop assistant, Pietro Tacca. They reflect Giambologna’s intense preoccupation with the human form in motion, which transforms a violent struggle into a ballet.</p>