Hercules and the Hydra, 18th century

George Michael Moser RA (1706 - 1783)

RA Collection: Art

Moser was born in Schaffhausen but moved to London in 1726 working as a cabinet maker and then a gold chaser. He established himself as a prominent member of the artistic community in London, being a member of the Rose and Crown club and becoming a Director of the St. Martin’s Lane Academy in 1746. He was one of early petitioners to George III to patronise a royal academy and once it was founded became the first Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools. His daughter, Mary Moser, RA (1744–1819) was also a Founder Member.

Hercules and the Hydra is a copy, in reverse, of a painting by Guido Reni in the Louvre. The original painting was commissioned by the Duke of Gonzaga in 1617 as one or a series of four based on the life of Hercules.