Bronze Herakles

last quarter of the 6th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 155
Herakles is presented here not only as a hero of extraordinary strength and vitality but also as a beautifully groomed—and thus civilized—individual. This aspect is emphasized; on the Andokides amphora, he appears as fully the equal of the god Apollo. Only later do episodes such as the madness that Hera inflicted upon him become prominent in art. The bronze statuette was probably made as a dedication in a sanctuary.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze Herakles
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: last quarter of the 6th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 5 1/16 in. (12.80 cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1928
  • Object Number: 28.77
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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