Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles
Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles

Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles

SKU: HQ.0095

Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 2nd Century AD
Dimensions: 5.25" Height (13.3 cm)
Medium: Bronze

This finely cast bronze statuette is of the Greek god Herakles (Hercules to the Romans). We find the muscled figure standing on an integral plinth with the weight on his right leg and his head lowered to his right. He holds a club in his lowered left hand and probably a phiale once in his fragmentary right hand. However, it is not entirely clear. He may have been reaching for a cup of wine (in this type, called “Bibax”, Herakles is often shown holding a wine cup), although there is no trace of a cup here to assure us. He might also be reaching for the golden apples that he took from the garden of the Hesperides. Both the wine and the apples symbolized the end of his trials and his attainment of immortality. Here, however, the gesture may merely signify a genial welcome.  The skin of the Nemean lion, which he killed as one of his earliest labors, is draped over his left shoulder and wraps around his left forearm.

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Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, acquired in Paris in November 1997 English private collection (Bonhams, London, May 1st, 2013, no. 68, illus.) acquired by the present owner at the above sale

Fine condition with right arm missing. Patches of oxidation, with wonderful retention of surface variation and incised details throughout. Mounted on a stepped colored marble base.

Hercules (known to the Greeks as Herakles) was technically a hero rather than a proper god; his mother, Alkmene, was a mortal woman who had been impregnated by Zeus. The magnitude of Hercules' deeds, however, ultimately secured his immortality, as well as the religious devotion of many generations of Greeks and Romans. His immense popularity with rulers and common people alike led to the construction of numerous temples in his honor in Rome and elsewhere in Italy, in addition to countless more modest private shrines.

Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, Art of the Ancient World, vol. X, 1999, no. 49, illus.
Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, Gods & Mortals, vol. II, 2010, no. 43, illus.

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Roman Bronze Figure of Herakles

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