Hercules and Antaeus by Joseph Chinard (1756-1813)

Our bronze sculpture depicts Hercules challenging the giant Antaeus in his quest for the Garden of the Hesperides. This struggle is heightened by the intense expressiveness of the figures, and one can almost feel the strength of Hercules' arms against Antaeus's body, who derived his invincibility from the Earth. This sculpture is mounted on a black marble pedestal base.

Numerous representations depict this mythological subject, beginning with the bronze by Antonio Pollaiolo dating from 1475, housed in the Bargello Museum in Florence, as well as the version by the Veronese artist Moderno during the Renaissance.

Joseph Chinard (1756-1813), a French Neoclassical sculptor, made three trips to Rome to refine his artistic taste. A patriotic and revolutionary sculptor, he was supported by prominent figures during Napoleon's reign. This support enabled him to create his work.

Sculpture height: 65.5 cm