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Hercules and Omphale

late 17th–early 18th century
Not on view
In this bold late Baroque design, whose curvilinear forms are enunciated with admirable clarity, the sexual roles of Hercules and Omphale (whom we encountered in stately profile format in 38.150.14) are reversed: Omphale excitedly assumes the hero’s lion-skin mantle, her leg nudging his, while he sinks into sedentary torpor.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hercules and Omphale
  • Date: late 17th–early 18th century
  • Culture: probably Italian
  • Medium: Sardonyx, mounted in gold as a pendant
  • Dimensions: Overall: 3 x 1 7/8in. (7.6 x 4.8cm); visible cameo: 54 x 43 mm
  • Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.999
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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