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An original very large French Old Master oil on canvas. It is attributed to circle of Francois Lemoyne and was painted circa 1735 and depicts Hercules and Ompale. The painting composition is Francois Lemoyne's painting of Hercules and Omphale but in reverse. A truly stunning Old Master painting. The huge canvas is in good clean condition. Housed in a carved wood frame. A very interesting Old Master oil painting.
Provenance. Private collection. Remains of Sotheby chalk marks verso. Scottish estate.
Carved 17th century frame 56 by 46 inches.
Hercules has fallen under the spell of Omphale, Queen of Lydia, and is reduced to spinning wool, spindle and distaff in hand. Omphale is wearing the hero's lion skin and is clasping his club in an extremely suggestive manner. The sensuality and vibrancy of the painting reflect the influence of Venetian art.
The myth: Wishing to expiate the murder of one of his friends, Hercules consulted the oracle of Apollo, who advised him to enter the service of Omphale, Queen of Lydia. Although Hercules was the son of Zeus and was famed for his invincible strength, he submitted to the tasks the queen devised for him to expiate his crime. Omphale fell in love with Hercules for his strength and physical beauty, and the couple married. This tale, found in both Greek and Roman mythology, is told with a number of variations. It proved a great source of inspiration for French and Italian Mannerist painters, as well as the Venetian artists who influenced Lemoyne. François Boucher also painted a version of the same love scen
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