Hercules and Antaeus (with Gaia as one of the Furies)
Object Name
Category
Sculptures
Date
c. 1680-c. 1690
Medium
ivory
Credit Line
The Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Object Number
AGOID.29333
Location
AGO, Gallery 109 Thomson European, Floor, Vitrine
Gallery Number
AGO, Gallery 109
Overall: 27.5 x 16.7 x 11.7 cm (10 13/16 x 6 9/16 x 4 5/8 in.)
Hercules is victorious here as he lifts Antaeus off the earth and drains him of his power. Gaia is represented as the earth, as she is for all intents and purposes the ground on which Hercules supports himself, but her Medusa-like hair indicates her conflation with her other offspring, that of the Furies.
Signature
not signed
Markings
Paper label under ivory: A-L 206