Hercules Épitrapézios at The Louvre, Paris

cults3d

This type of marble representation by Lysippos can be identified thanks to ancient sources that leave no doubt about its authenticity. Latin poets from the 1st Century A.D., Martial (Épigrammes, 9, 43 and 44) and Stace (Silvae, 4, 6), describe a small bronze statue of Hercules that holds the signature of Lysippos on its base. The lost statue was known by the name 'Hercules Épitrapézios', derived from the Greek words Epi, meaning 'on' and trapeza, meaning 'table'. This sculpture was carved by Lysippos before 335 B.C., to decorate a table for Alexander the Great. It depicts Hercules holding a glass of wine with his head thrown back in joy. The statue was discovered in 1792 by Gavin Hamilton in Gabies (Italy). Lysippos is famous for creating four variants representing Hercules between 370-300 BC. As the son of Zeus and Alcmene, Hercules is one of the most well-known Greek heroes and a demi-god who possesses immortality. His cousin Eurytheus was forced to confront Hercules as his opponent in the famous Labours of Hercules. The 'Léonte', the skin of the Nemean Lion, which Hercules had to kill first, is one of his distinctive symbols. The four statuettes featured in the Louvre are a collection of reproductions created by Lysippos who revolutionized the depiction of heroes in art with their incredible exploits. We can attribute this image to his famous sculpture 'The Hercules Farnese' from the Naples museum and a colossal statue of Hercules sitting.