Roman Bone Finial, Nude Hercules Wrestling Nemean Lion - May 25, 2023 | Artemis Gallery In Co
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

Roman Bone Finial, Nude Hercules Wrestling Nemean Lion

Related Sculptures & Carvings

More Items in Sculptures & Carvings

View More

Recommended Art

View More
item-153719080=1
item-153719080=2
item-153719080=3
Roman Bone Finial, Nude Hercules Wrestling Nemean Lion
Roman Bone Finial, Nude Hercules Wrestling Nemean Lion
Item Details
Description
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A dramatic sculpture, carved in the round from the bone of an ungulate, depicting a nude Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion. Hercules holds the head of the beast as it grasps him with both paws. The dueling duo are placed atop a column, suggesting they served as the finial decoration to a hairpin or fibula. The iconography of this sculpture references the legendary hero's first labor when King Eurystheus asked Hercules to bring him the hide 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 - as beautifully depicted in this example! Size: 0.6" W x 2.7" H (1.5 cm x 6.9 cm); 3" H (7.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175520
Condition
Missing lower half with stable hairline fissures to bone. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions commensurate with age, but otherwise very nice with ample remaining detail and rich patina.
Buyer's Premium
  • 26.5%

Roman Bone Finial, Nude Hercules Wrestling Nemean Lion

Estimate $500 - $750
See Sold Price
Starting Price $250
2 bidders are watching this item.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, us
Offers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available

Payment
Accepts seamless payments through LiveAuctioneers

Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

badge TOP RATED
Louisville, CO, United States7,927 Followers
TOP