Description:

Rome, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A solid cast bronze figure depicting Hercules (Herakles) standing in quintessential contrapposto pose, with left hand clutching lion's skin draped over a column, and right arm placed upon hip. This piece probably served as a maquette for a larger marble statue. The column would have played a critical role in supporting the resulting heavy marble figure. 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: statue itself measures 5.25" H (13.3 cm); 6.75" (17.1 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex- Estate of M. Reiniger, Chicago, IL, Ex- Harlan J. Berk, Chicago, IL

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#111503

  • Condition: Intact with marvelous green and brown patina.

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January 7, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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