Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A finely cast form of a bust of Hercules (Herakles) with a cloak and hood made from the body of the Nemean lion. Extending from the back of the bust is a square attachment to add this piece to a chariot. Well done details give Hercules a sensitive and naturalistic face; other notable details are the lion's paws hanging over the end of his cloak, complete with tiny claws, and the powerful muscles depicted in Hercules' neck. This is a large attachment, probably placed onto the end of an axle. It has clear signs of use. Size: 3.35" L x 4.5" W x 5.2" H (8.5 cm x 11.4 cm x 13.2 cm)
The story of Hercules was a popular one in ancient Rome (with much of it derived, as so many elements of Roman culture were, from Greece - entering Roman culture by way of Etruria). Both Mark Antony and the Emperor Commodus considered him to be a personal patron god. The story of Hercules and the Nemean Lion was retold over and over again, in plays and artistic depictions like painting on vases. As part of his labors, Hercules was sent by King Eurystheus to bring him the skin of a lion that was terrorizing the town of Nemea. Upon discovering that weapons would not work on the beast, he tracked it to its lair and strangled it.
Provenance: Ex-Private Los Angeles, California, USA collection acquired at the Dorotheum, Vienna, Austria in September 1998; ex Royal Athena Gallery, New York City, New York, USA;
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#118457
Condition
Small repair and loss to the attachment area with signs of wear/use; details of the bust are in excellent condition.