Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 8004 - An Important Collection of Renaissance Medals & Plaquettes
Lot: 29

Manner of Moderno (late 15th century) Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, rectangular bronze plaquette, 96.5mm. x 77.5mm., a very fine contemporary cast, medium brown patina, sides incomplete at low left and mid right, and a small repair near left side edge, pierced twice at top, two areas of solder on the reverse Hercules, wearing only the lion´s skin, stands facing, holding the Hydra by the neck with his left hand, his right hand raised to strike. The Hydra has the face and breasts of a woman and the body of snake. In her hair are six dragon-headed serpents. The seventh dragon head already lies on the ground This and the following plaquette, part of a series illustrating the life and labours of Hercules, have been attributed to Moderno on stylistic grounds. The theme of pairs or groups of naked figures of men fighting recurs throughout the second half of the 15th century and Moderno is part of a tradition that extends from Antonio de Pollaiuolo (popularised through engravings) to Signorelli, and which was ultimately transformed by Michangelo. Pollaiuolo produced several versions of this subject, often paired with Hercules and Antaeus. The composition derives from the antique, and recurs in the Porta della Rana of the Duomo at Como as well as in the fresco by Falconetto in the Palazzo d´Arco at Mantua. A related composition occurs in the Museo Gregoriano Etrusco in the Vatican. References Avery 25; Bange 1922, 481; Cott p. 152; Kress 178; London, British Museum, T.W. Greene 5; Maclagan p. 38 (2 examples); Middeldorf - Stiebral pl. LXXXVII; Molinier 196; Ricci, ii, p. 145, no.193; Rizzio 23; Venice, Museo Correr, 26 Estimate £ 3,000-5,000

Sold for
£3,400