English
Hercules and Achelous
The feats of Hercules provided sculptors with an opportunity to explore the power of the male figure in intricate action. This large group, carved fully in the round, shows the struggle between the mythological hero and one of his foes-either Antaeus or Achelous, a river god who transformed from man to bull to serpent. This work and two others in the case are attributed to an anonymous artist who carved two large relief scenes depicting the Early Christian saint Sebastian assailed by Roman bowmen. This master's work is characterized by violent and exaggerated movements, extreme emotions, and a fanatical delineation of physical details.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hercules and Achelous
- Artist: Attributed to the Master of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian (Austrian)
- Date: probably mid-17th century
- Culture: probably Austrian
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): H. 11 x W. 6 1/4 x D. 4 3/8 in. (27.9 x 15.9 x 11.1 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture-Miniature
- Credit Line: The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
- Object Number: 1982.60.129
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.