Greek mythology is a realm where gods and mortals, heroes and monsters, collide in a tapestry of epic tales that have captivated the imaginations of many for entire centuries. In this enchanting world, the feats of legendary heroes and the intricacies of divine relationships were immortalised through the genius of virtuous artists for centuries.
This year, the team of Conservator-Restorers at RECOOP had the opportunity to conserve and restore a pair of exquisite paintings depicting the captivating tales of Hercules and Omphale and Perseus and Andromeda. In the first painting, the mighty Hercules, also known as Heracles, found himself in a rather unexpected predicament. Clad in the modest silk robes of Queen Omphale of Lydia, Hercules had undergone an act of cross-dressing that revealed the uniqueness of their relationship.
Hercules’ journey took him to Oechalia, where he intended to win the hand of Iole, the king’s daughter, in an archery competition. Ironically, it was Eurytus, the same king who had taught Hercules archery, but Eurytus withdrew the prize fearing Hercules’ violent tendencies due to his past actions.
Iphitos, Eurytus’ son and a long-time friend of Hercules, intervened and asked his father to reconsider. He also sought Hercules’ help in tracking down a notorious horse thief, Autolycus, which Hercules agreed to do. However, in a fit of rage, Hercules threw Iphitos over the city walls of Tiryns.
To atone for his deeds, Hercules was sentenced by the Delphic Oracle to serve as a slave to Omphale for a year. This punishment took a humorous twist as Hercules was made to wear women’s clothing and assist Omphale with spinning. Despite the humiliation, he still displayed his heroic qualities by capturing the mischievous Cercopes.
After his year of servitude, Omphale married Hercules, and together they journeyed to celebrate the rites of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, in the grove of Dionysus. It was during this time that a comical incident unfolded: Hercules, in bed alone and still wearing his wife’s clothing, was mistaken for Omphale by Pan, the god of the wild, who sought to seduce her. Hercules reacted with laughter, throwing the imposter to the floor.
This unexpected cross-dressing episode added a touch of humour to Hercules’ heroic journey and the unique dynamics of his relationship with Omphale.
The second painting of the pair shows Perseus as he continued his journey home after successfully slaying Medusa and defeating Atlas. As soon as he ventured into the kingdom of Ethiopia, he encountered a scene of terror and despair. Chained to the rocks by the sea was the breathtakingly beautiful Princess Andromeda. She was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia, who had boasted that Andromeda’s beauty surpassed that of the sea nymphs, the Nereids.
The prideful claim of Queen Cassiopeia had infuriated Poseidon, the god of the sea and protector of the Nereids. In a fit of rage, Poseidon unleashed the monstrous sea creature known as Cetus to ravage the coastal lands of Ethiopia as punishment. The kingdom was plunged into chaos, and the only solution was a grim one—sacrificing the innocent Andromeda to appease Poseidon’s wrath.
Perseus, having a heart filled with courage and compassion, could not stand idly by. He immediately fell in love with the helpless Andromeda, her life hanging by a thread. Without hesitation, Perseus confronted the menacing Cetus, who had been eagerly awaiting his next meal. With his trusty sword, the same one that had conquered Medusa, Perseus slew the monstrous beast, saving Andromeda and the kingdom of Ethiopia from its terrible fate.
After this heroic deed, Perseus took Andromeda to her grateful father, King Cepheus, and sought her hand in marriage. This proposal, however, stirred up trouble, as Andromeda had already been promised to her uncle, Phineus. A bitter conflict ensued, and Perseus, resorting to the power of Medusa’s head, turned Phineus into stone, ending the rivalry and securing Andromeda as his bride.
This act of heroism not only displayed Perseus’ physical prowess but also revealed his noble character and sense of justice. Perseus and Andromeda’s union became a symbol of love overcoming adversity and heroism prevailing against all odds, a fitting conclusion to a legendary journey filled with challenges, gods’ favor, and the triumph of the human spirit.
The paintings can be firmly set within the circle of the famed Rococo painter François Lemoyne. Lemoyne was a prolific painter whose work received accolades from famed intellectuals and statesmen namely Voltaire and Cardinal Fleury. In 1736, a year before his death, Francois Lemoyne’s career peaked when he was made principal court painter to King Louis XV.
Prior to conservation, the paintings presented no significant damages however an adequate appreciation was hindered due to a thick veil of yellowed varnish and grime. Following the removal of the aforementioned layer and of the localized planar distortions, the fine quality of both paintings prevailed.
