The Farnese Hercules, 1592 (published in 1617)
MediumEngraving
Panel dimensions41,2 × 29,5 cm
Sheet dimensions51,4 × 35,1 cm
Place of originHaarlem
About the workDepicting the buttocks of a hero in such a way is rather cheeky. The Dutch artist Hendrick Goltzius portrays the rear of the Farnese Hercules, an ancient statue that in his time was one of the highlights of any trip to Rome. Goltzius’ appreciation of the statue is reflected in the admiring glances of the viewers in the image. There have been many depictions of the Farnese Hercules throughout art history, but none show its reverse side. For this reason, Goltzius’ drawing is particularly imaginative and addresses the fact that a sculpture – unlike a painting – can be viewed from all sides.
AccessionCollection of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Provenance[…]; seit 1932 Dauerleihgabe der Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Inventory numberKA (FP) 3157 D
