and objects of wealth and beauty. Among the participants in the cult of Savonarola was the artist Sandro Botticelli, who regretted his earlier mythological paintings of gods and goddesses. Botticelli’s later works are more conservative and strictly Christian in nature. Savonarola challenged the authority of the Pope, whom he claimed was cor rupt, and was excommunicated. He lost authority in Florence as a result and was soon arrested and hanged. Because the city was still reeling at the time, Florentine officials likely turned to the mythological figure of Hercules to represent strength for both the city’s inhabitants and to send a message to other city states that Florence was still strong as ever. In the sketches as well as the final presentation drawing, Hercules is (This page): Leonardo da Vinci, Standing Hercules, Holding a Club, Seen
presented as a figure of strength and power as well as a humanistic
from the Rear; Opposite page: Leonardo da Vinci, Standing Hercules,
endowment of virtue and wisdom.
Holding a Club, Seen from the Front, Male Nude Unsheathing a Sword,
He is an ideal hero as well as an ide
and the Movements of Water (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
al symbol of a city wishing to tout its own accomplishments both in the humanistic and militaristic realms. David is a biblical hero whereas
35
FALL 2013