Roman Bronze Herakles

An ancient Roman large bronze statuette of nude youthful Herakles. He stands in contrapposto pose with one hand resting on his hip and the other arm holding the skin of the Nemean Lion. The statuette is perhaps a portrait of a ruler in the guise of the hero.

Ca. 1st - 2nd century AD.

Height: 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm).

The Greek hero Herakles (Hercules) was a popular subject in Classical art and religion. Generally he was depicted nude, with his attributes: the lion skin, club and bow. He was worshipped in numerous sanctuaries, and often functioned as an oracular and healing god.

Formerly in a Rochester Hills, Michigan private collection, acquired from Royal-Athena Galleries in 1986; acquired at Sotheby's, London, May 21, 1984, lot 275.

Exhibited: Ohio State University Art Museum; Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, 1986 - 2016.

Published: J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, vol. IV, (1985), no. 276.

Inv#: 7809

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