Hercules and Antaeus
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Hercules and Antaeus” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
This statuette represents Hercules and Antaeus and is freely adapted from the larger group by Antonio del Pollaiuolo (1431-1498), which is in the Bargello, Florence.
Hercules, who wears the lion's pelt around his waist with the lion's mask facing backwards, lifts up Antaeus, who has his head thrown back and pushes against Hercules' head with his left hand. On a base that has claw feet and foliate motifs at the corners.
In this mythological combat, Hercules holds the giant Antaeus in the air in a vice-like grip, because Antaeus drew his strength from touching the earth.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- A.73-1956
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
