The Labors of Hercules

Italian (Florentine or Sienese) Painter

Date unknown · Tempera on wood, embossed and gilt ornament · European Paintings

Hercules became the greatest hero of ancient Greece by performing twelve seemingly impossible labors. Three are illustrated on this front of a chest (cassone): combating the centaurs, slaying the Nemean lion, and defeating the giant Antaeus, whose strength derived from his contact with the earth. Hercules was a much-admired model of strength and virtue. The small, athletic putti modeled in relief remind us that even a sculptor of the caliber of Donatello did such work. The coats of arms identify the patrons as the Florentine Ginazzi and Boni families.

Artist

Italian (Florentine or Sienese) Painter

Date

Date unknown

Medium

Tempera on wood, embossed and gilt ornament

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Bequest of Edward Fowles, 1971