Hercules Épitrapézios at The Louvre, Paris

myminifactory

This type of marble representation by Lysippos could be identified thanks to ancient sources' testimony. Two Latin poets from the end of the 1st Century A.D., Martial and Stace, describe a small bronze statue of Hercules which on its base holds Lysippos' signature. This lost statue was known as 'Hercules Épitrapézios (from Greek Epi, "on" and trapeza, "table"). The sculpture was carved by Lysippos before 335 B.C., to decorate a table for Alexander the Great. Hercules was presented holding a glass of wine, his head thrown back. It was discovered in 1792 by Gavin Hamilton in Gabies (Italy). This is one of four variants representing Hercules sculpted by ancient Greek master Lysippos between 370-300 BC. Son of Zeus and Alcmene, Hercules is probably the most well-known and important Greek heroes, a demi-god given immortality. His cousin Eurytheus was forced to confront Hercules as his opponent in the famous Labours of Hercules (Hera's candidate for Eurytheus and Zeus's was Hercules). Hercules is known for carrying a large wooden club and the 'Léonte', the skin of the Nemean Lion - the first creature he had to kill in his labors. The four statuettes featured in the Louvre are reproductions by sculptor Lysippos who considerably changed how heroes were depicted in art, reflecting their exploits. This image can be attributed through his famous sculpture 'The Hercules Farnese' of the Naples museum and a colossal statue of Hercules sitting.