Farnese Hercules, Stone statue in Tuileries Garden, France
The Farnese Hercules is a stone statue in the Tuileries Garden showing the hero leaning on his club, the lion skin over it, the apples of the Hesperides held behind his back. Giovanni Comino carved it; it measures about 242 cm high and 86 cm wide. The figure is nude, bearded and muscular, the head bowed toward the club.
Giovanni Comino created this sculpture between 1670 and 1672 in Rome, following classical models. It was first placed in Parc de Sceaux before being moved to Tuileries Garden in 1793, where it has remained.
The hero rests on his club, the lion skin of Nemea over his arm, holding the apples of the Hesperides behind his back. The Farnese type derives from a Greek original by Lysippos known through Roman copies; Comino's marble follows that model. Visitors can compare the pose with other Hercules statues in the garden.
The statue stands in the Grand Carré section of the Tuileries Garden, near the western end close to the Place de la Concorde. The garden is open daily, with hours that vary by season, so check the current schedule before setting out. The statue is on open ground and can be approached directly.
Photographs taken by René Giton capture the statue in winter with snow covering its surface, giving it a completely different appearance than in warmer seasons. This wintry perspective reveals new details and forms that remain hidden during other times of year.
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