Hercules and Omphale

Unknown

late 17th–early 18th century · Sardonyx, mounted in gold as a pendant · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In this bold late Baroque design, whose curvilinear forms are enunciated with admirable clarity, the sexual roles of Hercules and Omphale (whom we encountered in stately profile format in 38.150.14) are reversed: Omphale excitedly assumes the hero’s lion-skin mantle, her leg nudging his, while he sinks into sedentary torpor.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th–early 18th century

Medium

Sardonyx, mounted in gold as a pendant

Culture

probably Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917