Fernando as Hercules Plucking the Apples of the Hesperides [reverse]

Annibale Fontana

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a relief on a round medallion featuring a classical scene. The central figure is a male nude, standing with one arm extended upwards towards a tree with fruit. A smaller creature, possibly a dragon, is beside the figure. The background includes landscapes like a sunrise, trees, and a distant castle. The material appears to be bronze with a greenish-brown patina. The perimeter of the medallion is inscribed with "QVAM VIS CUSTODITA DRACONE."