Louis XIV as Hercules , C.1700
A French White Marble Oval Relief of Louis XIV as Hercules.
After Étienne Le Hongre (1628-1690)
Provenance: Private Collection (United Kingdom)
Height: 66cm Width: 57cm Depth: 3cm
This oval white marble plaque presents Louis XIV portrayed as Hercules. At his side, a winged figure, likely Victor records his triumph, while symbolic elements at his feet, including an eagle, city walls and laurel wreath, evokes themes of conquest, divine authority and immortal glory.
In the background, a temple emitting sunbeams likely represents the Temple of Apollo, reinforcing Louis XIV's identity as the Sun King.
The composition closely parallels the south façade relief on the Port Saint-Martin in Paris (1674), sculpted by Étienne Le Hongre, in which Louis XIV is shown as Hercules, trampling his enemies underfoot.
This oval relief dates to the late 17th / early 18th century and would've likely been commissioned during or possibly to commemorate the reign of Louis XIV.
Now mounted on a substantial museum stand or can be walk mounted on request.
After Étienne Le Hongre (1628-1690)
Provenance: Private Collection (United Kingdom)
Height: 66cm Width: 57cm Depth: 3cm
This oval white marble plaque presents Louis XIV portrayed as Hercules. At his side, a winged figure, likely Victor records his triumph, while symbolic elements at his feet, including an eagle, city walls and laurel wreath, evokes themes of conquest, divine authority and immortal glory.
In the background, a temple emitting sunbeams likely represents the Temple of Apollo, reinforcing Louis XIV's identity as the Sun King.
The composition closely parallels the south façade relief on the Port Saint-Martin in Paris (1674), sculpted by Étienne Le Hongre, in which Louis XIV is shown as Hercules, trampling his enemies underfoot.
This oval relief dates to the late 17th / early 18th century and would've likely been commissioned during or possibly to commemorate the reign of Louis XIV.
Now mounted on a substantial museum stand or can be walk mounted on request.
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