Bosio (1768–1845), Hercules Fighting Achelous, A Magnificent 19th-century Bronze

A magnificent and rare bronze sculpture from the second half of the 19th century depicting Hercules fighting Achelous, who has been transformed into a serpent.
The original work, created by François-Joseph Bosio (1768–1845), was commissioned in bronze by the Ministry of the King’s Household on May 22, 1822 (based on the plaster model from the 1814 Salon, No. 1013). Delivered on August 25 for the 1824 Salon, No. 1769. Moved in August 1828 to the Tuileries Garden in front of the northern palace, then relocated to the Bord-de-l’Eau terrace in 1858. Placed in the Allée des Orangers from 1865 to 1992. Acquired by the Louvre on May 12, 1992.
Currently still at the Louvre, Richelieu Wing, Room 105.

Deianira was the beautiful daughter of Oeneus, and many wished to marry her. Achelous (the river god, son of Thetis and Oceanus) declared his love...but the mighty Hercules stood before him and did the same. Hercules emphasized his noble lineage as the son of Jupiter (Zeus), his prestigious labors, and the victories he had won while carrying out Juno’s (Hera’s) commands. Achelous retorted by pointing out that he was a god and would not bow down to a mortal.
The fight began; Hercules charged at Achelous and managed to knock him down. Achelous escaped, taking the form of a gigantic serpent. Laughing, Hercules told him how he had slain the far more terrifying Lernaean Hydra and then pounced on him, suffocating him with his powerful hands.
At the last moment, Achelous changed his form once more, this time into a bull. Hercules seized him by the horns, tearing one of them off.This horn was thrown into the sea, then recovered by the Naiads and became the famous “Horn of Plenty.”Achelous was defeated and disgraced.

A very fine cast from the second half of the 19th century, with a lovely period brown patina and in excellent condition.It rests on a stepped base of Sienna yellow marble, adorned with a frieze of patinated bronze palmettes. The rectangular base rests on four small bronze feet.

Provenance: Collection of Lord George Farrow (1916–2001). Sold at Christie’s and then Hutchinson, November 2011.

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