American School Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “Hercules & the Hydra” Ca. 1940s

Description

ART DECO
United States, circa 1940s

Hercules and the Lernean Hydra

Patinated bronze | unsigned | designed as a fountain … more ART DECO
United States, circa 1940s

Hercules and the Lernean Hydra

Patinated bronze | unsigned | designed as a fountain

Item # 410TUG09E

Stark, minimal and thoroughly modernist, this very fine and imposing sculpture captures the very essence of Hercules in his labors. His body is ensnared and entwined with the six-headed Lernean Hydra, its coiled body wrapped around his powerful legs and coiled around his arms where Hercules grasps them by the neck. Everything about the hero is modeled larger than life, a showcase of his raw and almost unbridled power. Muscles are strained and taut as his expression remains mechanical and undaunted.

This model is perhaps unique, as we have found no counterparts to it. It was cleverly designed with an internal tube system that allows it to operate as a fountain: water shoots from the six mouths of the hydra and the eight mouths of sea creatures raising the octagonal base with its beveled edge. The loose modeling and highly impressionistic surface are dramatic and replete with texture, catching and reflecing light from every direction. An extraordinary example.


Measurements: 31 3/4" H x 8 1/8" base diameter

Condition Report: Light wear to the original patina, including a few spots of the heads of the Hydra and raised elements here and there. Carefully cleaned and all oxidization carefully deactivated before sealing in a conservator's grade of wax. Trace verdigris and discoloration. Ready to place. less