Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Finely cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, a bronze chariot fitting depicting a bust of a youthful Hercules (Greek Herakles) with a cloak made from the body of the Nemean lion wrapped across his body and a generous square opening at the back for attachment. The legendary hero's visage is beautifully delineated with naturalistic features - almond-shaped eyes with skillfully delineated lids and pupils/irises, an arched browline leading to an aquiline nose, parted full lips, nasolabial folds, and smooth cheeks and facial planes - this handsome face topped by a full head of wavy locks. The skin of the Nemean lion - also impressively rendered with texture to represent the wild feline's furry coat as well as the lion's paw with well-executed claws - adorns Hercules' broad chest. Size: 2.95" W x 3.8" H (7.5 cm x 9.7 cm)

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. The story of Hercules was a popular one in ancient Rome (with much of it derived, as so many elements of Roman culture were, from Greece - entering Roman culture by way of Etruria). Both Mark Antony and the Emperor Commodus considered him to be a personal patron god.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Timeline Auctions, February 25, 2016, Lot 256;ex-private W.A. collection, New York, New York, acquired 1990s

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#140565

A few small pits on the surface, notably along the edge of lion skin as it is draped over the body and a larger one on the shoulder. Otherwise in lovely condition with rich green patina and some reddish patina on the back/low on one side where it was probably deposited alongside something iron. Details and form are very well preserved.