Etruria, Etruscan, 3rd century BCE. A very rare Etruscan bronze statue of a youthful male standing in contrapposto, nude save the wreath upon his head, either a victorious athlete or Herakles (Hercules) holding a horn of Achelous. The figure's muscular form connotes great strength, apropos for either an athlete or the legendary hero Herakles. The Etruscans were inspired by the athleticism conveyed by ancient Greek sculptors. For more about the contest between Herakles and Achelous, see the extended description below. Size: 2.25" W x 5.6" H (5.7 cm x 14.2 cm); 6.375" H (16.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Herakles defeated Achelous in a contest when competing for the affections of the river nymph Deianeira, who was also the daughter of king Oeneus of Calydon. Achelous had the magical ability to transform himself into other creatures. During this battle he transformed himself into a bull; however, Herakles, being immensely strong, tore one of his horns off and Achelous surrendered. In order to get it back, Achelous' only option was to trade the horn of Amalthea. In turn, Herakles gave the horn of Amalthea, which he transformed into a cornucopia - a horn of plenty full of fruits and vegetables, to the Naiads. Interestingly, this legendary rivalry between Achelous and Heracles was depicted on Acarnanian coins, as a statue found in Olympia, as well as on the throne of Amyclae.
Exhibited and Published: Andre Emmerich Gallery, Classical Art from a New York Collection, September 27 to November 16, 1977, no. 103. Exhibited: Ball State University Art Museum, Muncie, Indiana, USA (1997-2005) and George Mason University, Virginia, USA (2005-2006)
Provenance: ex E. DeKolb collection, New York, USA, acquired from Royal Athena in 1997. Exhibited and Published: Andre Emmerich Gallery, Classical Art from a New York Collection, September 27 to November 16, 1977, no. 103. Exhibited Ball State University Art Museum, Muncie, Indiana, USA (1997-2005) and George Mason University, Virginia, USA (2005-2006)
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#156874
Condition
Figure is adhered to display stand and cannot be removed. Repairs to both hands, right arm at bicep, and head along neckline, with restoration to areas of both feet and front of left thigh and knee, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions, minor pitting, and light encrustations to limbs, body, and head, with minor softening to some finer details particularly across head and face. Fantastic mottled patina throughout.