
What Are These Things For? (19 pics)
Ovoid iron plaque, shield shape, approx 12” wide by 16” tall. Looks like Hercules fighting the Hydra in center scene.
A: It's a decorative plaque, neoclassical style. For anyone who is interested, apparently this plaque originally would have also held battle implements (see link). My best guess is that it was made in the 1960’s or early 70’s. I do believe it’s Hercules and the Hydra pictured in the central scene. If it were Perseus/Medusa the club would be a sword, and a shield would be included (Perseus couldn’t look at Medusa directly and had to use the reflection in his shield to behead her).
A: It's a decorative plaque, neoclassical style. For anyone who is interested, apparently this plaque originally would have also held battle implements (see link). My best guess is that it was made in the 1960’s or early 70’s. I do believe it’s Hercules and the Hydra pictured in the central scene. If it were Perseus/Medusa the club would be a sword, and a shield would be included (Perseus couldn’t look at Medusa directly and had to use the reflection in his shield to behead her).