Afgesneden figuur van Hercules (Farnese) 1715 - 1765

This red chalk drawing by Carle van Loo is a study of the Farnese Hercules statue. The drawing is a detail of the statue's torso, with a focus on the powerful musculature of the figure. The artist has captured the dynamism and tension of the pose, giving a sense of the three-dimensionality of the sculpture. This study, dated between 1715 and 1765, demonstrates van Loo's skill in drawing and his interest in classical art. The study is now part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, and provides a glimpse into the artist's creative process.