Héraklès Arche [Hercules the Archer]

The furrows on Hercules’ forehead and his thin, frowning eyebrows, give the hero a stern expression.

His large almond-shaped eyes are staring skywards, and he is concentrating on shooting an arrow to slay the terrifying birds of Lake Stymphalia.

Bourdelle chose total nudity for his classical hero, allowing him to emphasise the powerful musculature, very visible in the back. The accentuated virility exposed in this way is quite daring. The model who posed for Bourdelle asked him to change his features to save him any embarrassment.

Hercules is holding an immense bow in one hand. The arrow and the string are missing but the precise gesture and the tension of the muscles suffice to embody the action.

His hands and feet are so disproportionate compared with his head that they are reminiscent of lion paws, thereby reinforcing the impression of animal strength and power. His toes appear to be clinging to the rock to keep hold.

Bourdelle's signature changes with his works. His monogram can sometimes be found, or, as here, his name in capital letters accompanied by a flower. The title of the work is also written in Greek.

This is the original plaster model that was used for the successive casts. The material, which was initially white, as can still be seen under the base, was patinated to give it this earthy brown colour.