Hèrcules returns to Palau Güell

The painting 'Hercules searching for the Hesperides'  by Aleix Clapés (1846-1920) returned to the ante-chamber of Palau Güell, its original location. The work, property of the National Museum (MNAC), was a donation made by Eusebi Güell's daughter, Maria Lluïsa, in 1928.

The work (428x352 cm) has been restored by MNAC with an intervention that consist of two phases. The first was held at MNAC. The second was the reintegration of the layer of paint and took place at Palau Güell.

During the tour, the visitors can see 'Hercules searching for the Hesperides'. This work is inspired by 'L'Atlàntida' by Jacint Verdaguer, national poet of Catalunya. Clapés, one of the precursors of symbolism which is part of the local historiography of Modernisme, also directed the pictorial decoration of another masterpiece of the architect, La Pedrera and Casa Mila.

Clapés was chosen to make the pictorial decoration of  Palau Güell that includes, as well as this work, a set of oil paintings located in the central hall of the building. Some boards of several doors on the main floor and a mural that was located on the front outer side of Palau Güell, which has not been preserved and that was very similar to the restored work. The return of this painting in its original location at Palau Güell, building inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value is the result of work carried out by the National Museum to highlight the heritage collection preserved and to collaborate with other institutions. This return to this work also contributes to the recovery of the artist's figure, one of the most unique names of Modernisme, whose works can be seen in the new presentation of the collection modern art museum.