Hercules Myth Explored in 90-Work Exhibition at Venaria Reale
In Turin, the Reggia di Venaria Reale hosts an exhibition dedicated to Hercules, displaying 90 pieces that range from ancient Greek vases to Baroque artworks and film excerpts. This exhibition explores the journey of Hercules from his Mycenaean beginnings to his portrayal in contemporary cinema. A notable feature is the restored statue of Hercules and the Hydra, created by Bernardo Falconi in 1670. Significant loans include seven Greek vases from Basel's Antikenmuseum, including an amphora by the Antimenes Painter (circa 510 BC) and another attributed to the Berlin Painter (circa 490 BC). Additionally, two frescoes from Herculaneum, borrowed from Naples, illustrate Hercules's labors. The exhibition, curated by Claudio Strinati and Friedrich-Wilhelm von Hase, aims to attract a diverse audience while linking Hercules's legacy to Ferrara's Addizione Erculea.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Reggia di Venaria Reale, Turin, features 90 works on Hercules myth.
- Centerpiece is restored 1670 Bernardo Falconi statue of Hercules and Hydra.
- Statue originally a fountain in Venaria gardens, later dismantled and damaged.
- Key loans include seven Greek vases from Antikenmuseum Basel.
- Amphora by Antimenes Painter (c. 510 BC) shows Hercules and Apollo dispute.
- Lidded amphora by Berlin Painter (c. 490 BC) depicts Hercules with Athena.
- Two frescoes from Augusteum of Herculaneum on loan from Naples Archaeological Museum.
- Exhibition includes peplum film clips and a film walk on Ferrara's Addizione Erculea.
- International section features Hercules statue in Kassel's Bergpark (8.30 m).
- Curated by Claudio Strinati and Friedrich-Wilhelm von Hase.
Entities
Artists
- Bernardo Falconi
- Antimenes Painter
- Berlin Painter
- Biagio Rossetti
- Giovanni Francesco Guerniero
- Johann Jacob Anthoni
- Claudio Strinati
- Friedrich-Wilhelm von Hase
- Paolo Cornaglia
- Marta Santacatterina
- Ercole I d'Este
- Carlo d'Assia-Kassel
Institutions
- Reggia di Venaria Reale
- Consorzio La Venaria Reale
- Fondazione Torino Musei
- Palazzo Madama
- Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
- Augusteum di Ercolano
- Real Fabbrica delle Porcellane di Napoli
- Artribune
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Venaria Reale
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Naples
- Herculaneum
- Ferrara
- Kassel
- Germany
- Rome
- Terme di Caracalla
- Capriglio