Hercules, bronze, marble, northern Italy (?), 16th century (?).

The figurine, depicting Hercules, is modeled after ancient Roman sculptures. This statuette was cast in a light brown, slightly golden bronze alloy. As is usual with early castings modeled on ancient bronzes, the surface of the object has not been thoroughly finished (forging, sawing, etc.). The surface of the legs bears traces of fine forging in the form of a beautifully wavy surface. Details such as eyes, pupils, hair, toes and hands are sharply incised in an engagingly expressive manner. Together, these features strongly indicate an early 16th century date, and a likely workshop origin from one of the northern Italian city-states: Padua, Ferrara or the Veneto region.

In keeping with the ancient archetype, Hercules is depicted here in heroic nudity and elegantly standing in classical counterpoint, with his head turned slightly to the left. In his left hand he probably holds, preserved fragmentarily, the golden apples of Hesperides, which symbolize his eleventh work. In his right hand he probably held a large mace, which he used repeatedly to defeat enemies during his “Twelve Labors.”

The figure stands on a small, round bronze base, set on a marble pedestal.

Dimensions: 15.5 cm (height) x 5 cm (width) x 3 cm (depth); with pedestal 26 cm (height) x 8 cm (width) x 8 cm (depth)