Equestrian figure of HectorFilarete · 1456

  • Creation date1456
  • MuseumMuseo Arqueológico Nacional
The equestrian figure of Hector, a work by the Florentine artist Antonio Averlino, ‘Filarete’, is a masterpiece of Renaissance bronze. Its creator was a scholar, architect and sculptor from the Quattrocento who initiated a popular new genre of sculpture in the Modern Age that involved creating small or medium-size bronze sculptures, perfecting the ancient Roman technique of lost-wax casting to create figures inspired by Antiquity. Filarete’s Hector shows the victorious hero of the Iliad, having just defeated the invincible Hercules in a dual with spears, illustrated in the scenes on the base. Filarete was working for the Duke of Milan on the urban renovation of the city at the time when this bronze statue was produced. It is therefore likely that Hector allegorically represents Francesco Sforza, as he is associated with the emblems worn by the hero: a lion on the cuirass and a snake-dragon on the harness of the saddle.

Filarete (1400 – 1469)

Discover Filarete: Renaissance architect & urban planner of Milan! Explore his innovative 'Sforzinda' city design, classical influences, & groundbreaking architectural drawings.

Museo Arqueológico Nacional (Madrid, Spain)

Explore Spain's rich history at Museo Arqueológico Nacional (MAN), Madrid! Discover Iberian treasures, Roman artifacts & the Altamira Cave replica – a journey through 5000 years of culture.

About this artwork

  • Title: Equestrian figure of Hector
  • Artist: Filarete
  • Year: 1456
  • Format: Landscape
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Museo Arqueológico Nacional
  • Main color: White
  • Perceived brightness: brilliant

Questions & Answers

How old was Filarete when creating "Equestrian figure of Hector" in 1456?

Filarete was 56 years old when creating "Equestrian figure of Hector" in 1456. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1400.

What color saturation does "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete have?

"Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete is recorded with a muted saturation.

In what year was "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete created?

The creation of "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete is dated 1456.

Who created "Equestrian figure of Hector"?

"Equestrian figure of Hector" is attributed to Filarete.

Does the copyright of "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete allow reproductions?

The copyright status of "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete is clear: the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Its presence at the Museo Arqueológico Nacional does not change that status.

What is the dominant color of "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete?

The color that stands out most in "Equestrian figure of Hector" is white (#f3f3ed). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.

Are the colors of "Equestrian figure of Hector" by Filarete vivid or muted?

The color of "Equestrian figure of Hector" is muted in saturation and monochromatic in intensity.

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