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Hercules Skinning the Nemean Lion

Attributed to François Lespingola
ca. 1675–1700
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 522
Hercules subdued the Nemean lion by order of his nemesis King Eurystheus, who ordered all twelve of his famous Labors. He is often shown wrestling with it but seldom if ever skinning it after slaying it. The figure reacting in fright at the side is a water nymph personifying a stream in the neighborhood of Mount Cithaeron, where Hercules performed this first of his Labors. As in all his groups, Lespingola cut the wax model into sections then reassembled them after casting. Here, there are three sections: lion with tree and ground, Hercules, and nymph. He availed himself of the lion’s tail, making it serve as a sprue for the casting.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hercules Skinning the Nemean Lion
  • Artist: Attributed to François Lespingola (French, 1644–1705)
  • Date: ca. 1675–1700
  • Culture: French, probably Paris
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Overall: [curve of tail to Hercules extended toe], wt. confirmed: 18 × 17 × 8 7/8 in., 26.7 lb. (45.7 × 43.2 × 22.5 cm, 12.1 kg)
    Base: 11 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (29.2 × 19.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Bronze
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
  • Object Number: 64.101.1485
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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