Hercules and Omphale 1746 - 1756

This porcelain sculpture of Hercules and Omphale was produced by the Saint James's Factory in the mid-18th century. Hercules, typically a symbol of masculine strength and heroic virtue, appears here in a state of softened submission, embraced by Omphale, the Lydian queen. The most striking symbol is the exchange of attire, where Hercules is draped in feminine garments. This motif is not unique to this factory; we can see similar themes in works throughout history, where powerful figures are depicted in roles that challenge conventional gender norms. Consider, for example, cross-dressing rituals in ancient cultures, where participants transgressed gender boundaries to invoke spiritual powers. The softening of Hercules is not just a story of submission, but a testament to the cyclical nature of symbols, which are constantly evolving, influenced by our collective memory and subconscious desires.