Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra
Moderno · Italian
late 15th - early 16th century
- Medium
- bronze//Very dark patina
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Period
- 1401 to 1500
- Image size
- 3696 × 4437px
Description
The sculpture depicts two figures: a man and a creature with a human-like upper body and snake-like lower body. The man is nude, exhibiting a strong, muscular build, and is positioned in a dynamic stance, with one arm raised and holding the creature by its hair. The creature appears to be female, with intricate details in the long, serpentine curls of her hair that end in snake heads, and her tail is coiled on the ground. Both figures are crafted within a rectangular frame. The sculpture is composed of a dark, metallic material that gives it a glossy finish. The figures emerge in relief from the flat background.
Rights & Source
Open access image from the National Gallery of Art, released under its open access program. Metadata via the NGA Open Data Program (CC0).