Hercules and Antaeus 1485 - 1492

"Hercules and Antaeus" is a bronze plaquette by the Italian Renaissance artist Moderno (Galeazzo Mondella), created between 1485 and 1492. The plaquette, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts the Greek mythological struggle between Hercules and the giant Antaeus, whose strength was renewed by contact with the earth. This piece showcases Moderno's ability to render anatomical detail and dynamic movement in a small format, characteristic of the Renaissance style. The scene is set against a background of architectural elements, further emphasizing the classical themes of the work.