wood bas-relief Hercules and the Golden Apples, attributed to Emile MONIER

Hercules is one of the most famous of all ancient heroes, and artists from Homer onwards, painters and sculptors alike, have praised his exploits.

Our bas-relief attributed to one of the leading Art Deco sculptors, Emile Monier (1883-1970), depicts Hercules facing the golden apples of the Hesperides garden.

This plaque is similar to the painting by Emile Aubry (1880-1964) painted in 1929.

The Garden of the Hesperides is a garden of immortality reserved for the gods.

At its heart is a tree bursting with golden apples. Its fruit brings immortality and fertility.
The garden is guarded by three nymphs - shown on the right, known as the Hesperides.

Hercules, on the left, must steal the precious fruit for his eleventh task.