Hercules and the Nemean Lion
Unknown Artist
1500s or later
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
10.2 × 6 × 4 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
European Painting and Sculpture
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Sherman E. Lee in memory of Paul Mallon
Accession Number
1975.111
About this artwork
The original owner of this work would have understood that this scene referred to the entire story of Hercules, the demi-god who had to accomplish twelve labors. The lion is named after the city of Nemea, near Corinth, a monstrous beast sent by the goddess Hera to wreak havoc on the area. After killing the lion, Hercules wore his pelt, commonly seen in other representations of the hero.