Farnese Hercules takes a short rest at Bank van Breda

The monumental Farnese Hercules, which was on display for a long time at the KMSKA, is temporarily moving to the entrance hall of Bank van Breda, a partner of the museum. There, the world-famous statue gains a new location and meaning. The weary hero, leaning on his club, stands as a familiar image for everyone who dedicates themselves, perseveres, and takes responsibility every day.

A hero taking a rest

The Farnese Hercules is a symbol of strength that was unearthed in the sixteenth century at the Baths of Caracalla. This marble masterpiece is a Roman copy of an even older Greek bronze statue by the famous sculptor Lysippos.

Rather than depicting a triumphant god, the statue shows a moment of rest. Hercules leans heavily on his club after his labors and holds the golden apples he has just obtained almost carelessly behind his back. That small detail makes the muscular hero surprisingly human.

Study object for generations of artists

In nineteenth-century academies, plaster casts of classical sculptures were essential. Students could study the anatomy of the human body without having to travel to Italy. The matte white plaster also made it easy to see how light and shadow play across muscles and forms, a valuable tool for generations of artists.

This particular cast was created in 2013 for the exhibition Happy Birthday Dear Academie at the Museum aan de Stroom, celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Antwerp Academy. In this way, the tradition of the historical plaster collection was given a tangible presence in the city once again.

A contemporary metaphor

In the entrance hall of Bank van Breda, the Farnese Hercules takes on a new meaning. While many statues depict power or victory, here we see the moment after the effort.

The hero leans wearily on his club, marked by the titanic task he has just completed. The statue serves as a reminder of the reality of entrepreneurship: behind every success lie years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

The golden apples he holds discreetly behind his back represent the rewards of those efforts: profit, innovation, and accumulated wealth. For the entrepreneur stepping into Bank van Breda, the statue offers a recognizable metaphor: pause after a major achievement, lean on a solid foundation, and look ahead to what comes next.