Twee mannen die het beeld Hercules Farnese bekijken 1617 - 1667

This anonymous etching from the 17th century, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts two men admiring the Farnese Hercules sculpture. The detail of their expressions and the realistic depiction of their attire suggest a keen interest in the subject matter. The viewer can almost hear the hushed whispers of awe and appreciation for the classical statue. The small size of the print, measuring just 53 mm by 100 mm, emphasizes its intimate scale and invites close scrutiny. The artwork offers a glimpse into the artistic fascination with classical antiquity during the Baroque era, a time when artists sought inspiration from ancient Rome and Greece.