Farnese Hercules by Glykon (Naples, Italy — 3rd Century AD) — Questions and answers

Read the full story

What is the Farnese Hercules that Glykon is looking at?

Choices

  1. A. A giant painting of a hero.
  2. B. A small clay pot.
  3. C. A colossal marble statue. ✓
  4. D. A book about ancient Greece.

Answer: C. A colossal marble statue.

From page 1

Who was Lysippos, whose work inspired Glykon in Alexandria?

Choices

  1. A. A famous writer of stories.
  2. B. A sculptor for Alexander the Great. ✓
  3. C. An ancient Egyptian pharaoh.
  4. D. A builder of great libraries.

Answer: B. A sculptor for Alexander the Great.

From page 2

Why was Glykon so careful when choosing the Carrara marble?

Choices

  1. A. He wanted a piece that would sparkle in the sun.
  2. B. He needed a block free of flaws that could withstand pressure. ✓
  3. C. He was looking for the cheapest marble available.
  4. D. He preferred marble that was very soft to carve.

Answer: B. He needed a block free of flaws that could withstand pressure.

From page 4

What did Glykon's wealthy Roman patron want the Hercules statue to show?

Choices

  1. A. The hero's happy family.
  2. B. Hercules's unbridled strength and fury. ✓
  3. C. A peaceful garden scene.
  4. D. Animals playing in a forest.

Answer: B. Hercules's unbridled strength and fury.

From page 5

Besides Hercules's strength, what other feeling did Glykon want to show in the statue?

Choices

  1. A. Great anger and frustration.
  2. B. Joyful excitement and laughter.
  3. C. The weariness after his legendary labors. ✓
  4. D. Hunger for a big meal.

Answer: C. The weariness after his legendary labors.

From page 7

How did people react when the Farnese Hercules was unveiled?

Choices

  1. A. They were disappointed and left quickly.
  2. B. They were captivated by its size, anatomy, and emotional depth. ✓
  3. C. They thought it was too small to be important.
  4. D. They wanted Glykon to make a different statue.

Answer: B. They were captivated by its size, anatomy, and emotional depth.

From page 9

Why does Glykon's work, the Farnese Hercules, survive forever?

Choices

  1. A. Because it is made of unbreakable metal.
  2. B. Because it is hidden away where no one can see it.
  3. C. Because it captures the essence of human struggle and triumph. ✓
  4. D. Because Glykon made a magic spell to protect it.

Answer: C. Because it captures the essence of human struggle and triumph.

From page 10