Statue of Omphale

Scavi Campana, 1831-1834. Entered the Hermitage in 1862.
H. 1.96.

Omphale was queen of the kingdom of Lydia in Asia Minor and mistress of Hercules. Her name must be somehow related to omphalos, the world-navel. Here she is carrying the club of Hercules on her shoulder, and wearing the lion-skin on her back. The object in her left hand is probably related to spinning or weaving, in which she was assisted by Hercules.

Inv. nr. ΓΡ-4187. Marini Recchia et al. 2002, 256. Photos: Hermitage. Hermitage info.