Lucas Faydherbe, Hercules and Omphale

These two wonderful 17th-century busts are the work of Mechelen sculptor and architect Lucas Faydherbe. Both are recognised as Flemish Masterpieces. Faydherbe produced a series of these mythological busts, but only the sculpture of Omphale bears his signature: note the inscription ‘FAYD’ on the back.

Mythological Figures

Hercules and Omphale are mythological figures. Hercules was an illegitimate son of the king of the gods, Zeus. Zeus's wife, the goddess Hera, held a deep grudge against the child and sent poisonous snakes to kill him. The child strangled them, and so his legendary strength was revealed. But Hera didn't stop there, and she drove Hercules to the point at which he would kill his wife and children. As a punishment he was given ten near impossible tasks, one of which was to kill a dangerous lion. We see the defeated lion on the bust of Hercules, its claws and mane draped over Hercules's shoulders.

Another story tells of how Queen Omphale fell in love with Hercules. She took him as her husband and granted him his freedom. The bust of Omphale is richly detailed and features elegant braids and beautiful locks of hair cascading over her shoulders. Her elegance reveals her royal status.

Lucas Faydherbe

Mechelen is home to various churches and artworks by Lucas Faydherbe. He was a pupil of Pieter Paul Rubens. The two terracotta busts are part of a series of mythological figures produced by Faydherbe. We know of ten such busts crafted by his hand.

Hercules and Omphale in Detail

• Artist: Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697 Mechelen)
• Title: Hercules and Omphale
• Date: ca. 1675-1680
• Material: Terracotta
• Height: 76 cm (Hercules) and 75 cm (Omphale)
• inv. no. B/39 and B/40
• Museum Hof van Busleyden, Mechelen