Who painted The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4]?

The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4] was painted by François Perrier in 1638.

Where can I see The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4]?

The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4]?

The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4] is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4]

François Perrier , 1638

The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4] is an ink print by the Baroque artist François Perrier. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1638 etching on laid paper by François Perrier shows the Farnese Hercules sculpture from behind. It is part of a collection of prints after antique statues, titled Segmenta nobilium signorum et statuarum.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a muscular male figure lifting a heavy object overhead, showcasing the artist's focus on the human form in action. The Farnese Hercules, a classical marble sculpture, is the source of the image.

Technique & Style

The etching technique allowed Perrier to achieve fine details and closely render the musculature and drapery of the figure. The dense, intricate lines characteristic of etching are well-suited to studying the human body in motion.

History & Provenance

Published in Paris in 1638 as part of Perrier's Segmenta nobilium signorum et statuarum, this print was one of a collection of etchings after antique statues. Perrier was a French painter and printmaker who played a significant role in introducing the Roman Baroque style to France.

Legacy

Perrier's reproductive prints, including this etching, served as visual references for later European artists and collectors, influencing the development of art in the region.