Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A stunning, naturalistic cast bronze portrayal of the legendary hero Hercules (Heracles), here shown from the chest up emerging from a palmette, with his head fully three dimensional and the back of his neck/upper torso open with a cuboid socket for attachment. This beautiful sculpture would have graced a carriage, a chariot, or something similar belonging to a member of Rome's elite. Well done details give Hercules a sensitive and naturalistic face; a tremendous curly beard and coiffure; and powerful muscles depicted in Hercules' neck and chest. He wears his famous cloak from the Nemean lion, whose paws are tightly tied around his neck, complete with fierce claws. Size: 4.2" W x 5.45" H (10.7 cm x 13.8 cm); 11" H (27.9 cm) on included custom stand.
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-J-P. Mariaud de Serres collection, France, acquired before 2000
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#152682
Condition
Almost entirely intact aside from a tiny tear on one side of the beard. Otherwise in beautiful condition. Rich deposits, mainly on interior and a glossy, very dark green patina on exterior.