Artwork Page for Hercules

Details / Information for Hercules

Hercules

c. 30 BCE–20 CE

Italy, Rome, Early Imperial period

Medium
bronze with silver and copper inlays
Measurements
Overall: 14.5 x 8 cm (5 11/16 x 3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1987.2
Public Domain
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Location
103 Roman
Print
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Did You Know?

Hercules is the Roman name for the classical hero known in Greek as Herakles.

Description

This bronze statuette is a nude figure of the hero Hercules. He stands in a contrapposto pose, with the majority of his weight on one leg. Over his left arm, Hercules holds the skin of the Nemean Lion, having slayed the beast as part of his Twelve Labors and now carrying the pelt as a trophy. Although now mostly lost, Hercules once held his signature wooden club in his right hand. Roman artists often portrayed Hercules as middle-aged, as though greater maturity would increase his power and virility.
Bronze sculpture of the nude hero Hercules, a muscular bearded man standing shifting his weight onto his right leg, with a lion skin draped over his extended left arm. His right arm, hanging down, is rough with corrosion, while the rest of the sculpture is smooth green-brown.

Hercules

c. 30 BCE–20 CE

Italy, Rome, Early Imperial period

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