Lot 16C
Classical World, Etruria, ca. early 6th century CE. Wow! An incredible example of a cast bronze nude male figure of a muscular youth - Herakles (Heracles, Hercules). He has large eyes, a small mouth, and stands in a dynamic pose - his left foot is forward, with one arm raised and the other outstretched. The raised arm probably once held a club or a javelin. Etruscan art from this period shows the clear influence of Classical Greek models, with fluid poses and naturalistic features, and this figurine may have been based on a large public statue of similar form. Herakles was incredibly popular in ancient Etruria, with scenes from his myth depicted over and over again in all forms of art. Size: 1.35" L x 2.65" W x 4" H (3.4 cm x 6.7 cm x 10.2 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The Etruscans were in contact with the Greek colonies in southern Italy throughout their existence and much of their trade and artwork connections were more closely related to the Greeks than to the Romans with whom they are often associated. Etruria - modern day Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria - was rich in metals, including copper, and the Etruscans drew upon their native resources to become master bronze smiths. Votive figures like this one were traded far and wide according to Pliny the Elder. Titus Livius records that when the consul Marcus Fluvius Flaccus conquered the Etruscan city of Volsinii, they took a line of wagons, including two thousand bronze statues, to Rome, where they were melted down to make coinage to finance the war against Carthage.
See a similar example at Bonhams, sold in 2008 for $1500: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/15941/lot/247/
Provenance: Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, California, USA
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#127020
- Condition: End of one foot is lost, otherwise excellent condition, with a smooth grey-green patina on surface.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |