Roman Empire, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A solid cast bronze figure depicting Hercules (Herakles) standing in quintessential contrapposto pose, with lion's skin draped over left arm, a club in his grip. This piece probably served as a maquette for a larger marble statue. Just imagine this physique on a grand scale! The iconography of this bronze references the legendary hero's first labor when King Eurystheus asked Hercules to bring him the skin of a fierce lion that terrorized the hillside around Nemea - a seemingly impossible task. Despite the fact that initially Hercules' arrows were utterly useless against this threatening beast, our hero ultimately succeeded, clutching the lion in his muscular arms all the while strategically avoiding its claws, finally choking it to death. A marvelous rendering of Hercules displaying the ancient artist's strong interest in delineating physiognomy and movement of Hercules' heroic yet human form. Lucite stand. Size: figurine itself measures 2.75" H (7 cm); 3.75" (9.5 cm) on stand.
Provenance: Ex-private M. Reiniger collection, Chicago, IL.
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#111368
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Missing right arm and foot. Otherwise an excellent representation with lovely deep green patina.