The Farnese Hercules is a famous marble sculpture representing Hercules, the renowned mythological hero, whom I mentioned earlier. It is believed that the sculpture was created during the Hellenistic period, possibly in the 3rd century BCE. The exact authorship of the work is unknown, but some scholars suggest that it might have been crafted by a Greek sculptor from the circle of Lysippos.

The sculpture depicts Hercules standing, with his right leg slightly bent and resting on his left leg. He is portrayed nude, showcasing his muscularity and immense strength. One of the most notable features of the sculpture is that he carries the Nemean lion’s skin over his right shoulder, one of the twelve labors of Hercules mentioned earlier.

The Farnese Hercules was discovered at the Villa Adriana in Tivoli, Italy, in 1546, during the Renaissance. It was subsequently acquired by the Farnese family, from whom it gets its name. Since then, it has been one of the most prominent pieces in the art collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, where it is currently housed.

The sculpture of the Farnese Hercules is considered a masterpiece of ancient sculpture and has been an inspiration for artists and sculptors throughout history. It represents the strength, heroism, and greatness of the mythological hero, and its impact on the history of art is undeniable.