The Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822) was one of the foremost figures of the Neoclassical era. His skill is displayed as combines the elements of heroism and madness in his 1834 sculpture Hercules and Lychas. His original earthenware sketch model that was completed in 1812 serves as the foundation for this 1834 relic which was cast from the foundry of Pierre Fontaine. The original sculpture was actually made of marble and had an actual height of nearly twelve feet. This one foot replica is made of bronze and symbolizes the epilogue to the story of Hercules and Nessus and depicts a mad Hercules in the act of flinging a terrified Nessus through the air. Hercules is actually clutching Nessus" ankle and is making preparations to fling the defenseless man over Hercules" own head and out into the sea.
The composition of this piece is one in which asymmetrical balance is portrayed in a vertical plane as attention to every facet of detail is recognized. Within each man, attention is taken as body parts are clearly defined such as muscles, clothing, and hair. Each part is portrayed in the correct aspect relative to the rest of the body. Also, the historical accuracy of the event in question can be envisioned by observing the faces of the two men. Upon Hercules," the qualities of strength, physical pain, and madness can all be clearly seen. The hapless Lychas has a face depicting horror, fear, and is screaming as he feels sheer terror knowing his life is coming to an end. Also, Lychas is much of a smaller figure in the sculpture and it can be seen how overpowering of a figure Hercules is truly. .
This sculpture is categorized as one that is sculpture in relief for the conflict between the two men is set upon a ground substance which is the original bronze and it forms a horizontal plane. It is a degree of high relief as well as the two men are definitely accentuated away from the base of the sculpture.
