Extra Credit #2

Antonio del Pollaiuolo sculpted the statue of Hercules and Antaeus in 1475. This was one of many depictions of the battle between Hercules and Antaeus. Hercules and Antaeus was an intriguing sculpture to me. I found it intriguing mostly because of the detail in the movement of the figures. I was drawn to the dramatic emotion it brought to my eye. The story behind this piece was sure to be just as intriguing so I decided to look further into it.

            In short Antaeus was a being that gained strength through the earth. He would constantly challenge passers-by to a wrestling match. When he killed his victims he would collect their skulls to one day build a temple to his father Poseidon. When he challenged Hercules he was lifted into the air and became just as week as all the other men. Hercules defeated Antaeus by keeping him in the air (where Antaeus was weakest) and crushing him in his arms.

The detail involved in this piece is fascinating. Pollaiuolo was known for his knowledge of human anatomy. I believe he is one of the most intriguing artists because of this knowledge. He is able to create movement in his figures with details in the muscles and movement of cloth. Like in the Battle Of The Nudes, Pollaiuolo’s ability to represent physical and emotional violence it astounding. When looking at this statue I can tell Hercules is the one lifting Antaeus because of the lion skin wrapped around his waist. The anguish in Antaeus’s face is clear due to his opened mouth screaming what I can only assume is mercy in his defeat. Antaeus’s legs kick out as if to flail from Hercules massive grip. The muscles are strained where they are being used. I can feel the struggle in this battle.

Pollaiuolo usually did small bronze sculptures. This depiction of Hercules and Antaeus was one of the largest. The intertwined bodies clearly show the understanding Pollaiuolo had of human anatomy. Pollaiuolo was able to show great detail in each figure in motion. It was said that Pollaiuolo had dissected corpses to better understand the human anatomy. Which although disturbing clearly gave him an advantage in his art.

http://www.all-art.org/Architecture/13-19.htm

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/antaeus.htm