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40,41 Plaque: Hercules choking Antaeus
Statuette: Hercules and Antaeus

The demigod Hercules, hero of Greek mythology, appeared frequently in Renaissance art. One of the most popular of the various tales surrounding the myth of Hercules was the one in which he lifts the giant Antaeus, who drew his strength from the earth itself, and uses his immense physical strength to squeeze Antaeus to death. This fierce struggle was a favorite of artists because it allowed them to showcase their talents in depicting the ferocious movements of the two intertwined bodies and their agonized expressions.