Guercino's Hercules and Antaeus fresco returns to view in Bologna palace
Guercino's 1631 fresco 'Hercules and Antaeus' is now publicly accessible in Palazzo Sampieri Talon, Bologna, after four centuries of private seclusion. The work, commissioned by Abbot Sampieri for 100 scudi, depicts Hercules strangling Antaeus by lifting him from the earth. Painted a secco on a wall, it is Guercino's last mural before his 1642 move to Bologna. The fresco remains unrestored and was executed freehand without cartoons. Guided tours limited to 20 people, lasting 45 minutes, are bookable online through a collaboration between Marquis René Talon Sampieri, Amici del Guercino, and Bologna Welcome. The palace has been inhabited by the Sampieri family since 1542.
Key facts
- Guercino painted 'Hercules and Antaeus' in 1631.
- The fresco is located in Palazzo Sampieri Talon, Bologna.
- It was commissioned by Abbot Sampieri for 100 scudi.
- The work is executed a secco, not true fresco.
- It has never been restored or retouched.
- Guercino painted it freehand without using cartoons.
- The tour lasts 45 minutes for groups of up to 20 people.
- The palace has been owned by the Sampieri family since 1542.
Entities
Artists
- Guercino (Francesco Barbieri)
- Guido Reni
- Carlo Cesare Malvasia
Institutions
- Palazzo Sampieri Talon
- Amici del Guercino
- Bologna Welcome
- Biblioteca dell'Archiginnasio
- Artribune
Locations
- Bologna
- Italy
- Cento
- Rome
- Venice