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Bust of Hercules

Bust of Hercules is a terracotta sculpture by Lucas Faydherbe (1617–1619). It belongs to the Van Herck collection, which was acquired by the King Baudouin Foundation in 1966. Faydherbe, a sculptor from Mechelen and a pupil of the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, created the work as part of a series of terracotta busts depicting mythological themes and figures. This smaller bust may have served as a model for other works, though this cannot be proven. It shows Hercules wearing a lion skin. The sculpture is part of the King Baudouin Foundation collection and is displayed at the Rubens House in Antwerp.

Clay bust of Hercules with a fur pelt draped over his shoulders and a bearded, determined face.
Bust of Hercules shown in reddish-brown clay with a fur pelt and a strong, bearded expression.
2026 © · CC0
Bust of Hercules showing a bearded man wearing a heavy animal pelt over his head and shoulder.
Bust of Hercules, shown here in a close-up view with the animal pelt draped over the figure\'s head and shoulder.
2022 © · CC0
Bust of Hercules shown in side profile, with a curly beard, wrinkled brow, and lion skin draped over the head and shoulders.
Bust of Hercules in side view, showing the sculpted beard, serious expression, and lion skin draped across the chest.
2026 © · CC0
Bust of Hercules showing a bearded man with curly hair and an animal-skin headdress
Bust of Hercules with a bearded face, curly hair, and an animal-skin headdress.
2022 © · CC0

Identification

TitleBust of Hercules
TypeBust

Historical context

SeriesPart of a series of terracotta busts depicting mythological themes and figures
Artistic significanceA unique part of Lucas Faydherbe's oeuvre

Creator

ArtistLucas Faydherbe
Artist originMechelen
TeacherPeter Paul Rubens

Physical characteristics

MaterialTerracotta
Size relationSmaller than the other busts in the series

Discovery and provenance

Former collectionVan Herck collection
Acquired byKing Baudouin Foundation
Acquisition date1966

Location and ownership

Current locationRubens House, Antwerp

Iconography and meaning

SubjectHercules, the ancient hero
Depicted attributeLion skin
Possible functionMay have served as a model for other busts, but this cannot be proven with certainty