Hercules the Archer, Bronze sculpture at Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, United States
Hercules the Archer is a bronze sculpture located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that depicts a classical hero in a dynamic pose. The work shows him with his bow drawn, ready for action in a dramatic moment from ancient mythology.
A French sculptor created this work in 1909 as a commissioned piece, and it was first displayed at a national art exhibition. This creation emerged during a period when classical ancient themes were widespread in European sculpture.
The statue shows Hercules at a moment from Greek mythology that many visitors recognize from ancient stories. The muscular figure with the bow speaks to a broader interest in classical hero figures.
The work is located in a dedicated gallery of the museum and is accessible to visitors during regular opening hours. It is helpful to consult the museum map or join a guided tour to find this location easily.
Someone from the artist's personal circle served as the model for this depiction, lending the figure its distinctive appearance. Using a living model instead of a purely historical or literary interpretation gives the work a personal quality.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.