2014.46.4
Italo-Etruscan Bronze Hercules (Figurine)
Artist
Artist Unidentified (Etruscan)
Title
Italo-Etruscan Bronze Hercules (Figurine)
Creation Date
n.d.
Century
5th-4th century BCE
Dimensions
3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Creation Place
Ancient Mediterranean, Italy
Medium and Support
solid-cast on bronze
Credit Line
Gift of David Thorndike, class of 1946, and Deborah J. Haynes
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
2014.46.4
The figurine of Herakles wears sandals and a stippled lion–pelt cloak that drapes over one shoulder in the Etruscan style leaving the right shoulder and arm bare. The hole, formed by the hero’s raised fist, once brandished his iconic club, now missing. The wax or terracotta model for this cast figurine is finely detailed front to back and intended to be appreciated from all sides. This example is recorded to have been found in a rural sanctuary near Pompeii.
Object Description
Per July 1, 2013 Memo (see attached Surrogate Image) from Jim Higginbotham:
Description and Condition of the Object(s): All five figurines are made of solid-cast bronze and range from 7.6 cm to 10.8cm in height. Four (Thorndike 1-4) of the five bronzes represent a figure of Hercules (Greek Herakles; Etruscan Hercle), standing with club raised in the right hand and a lion pelt draped over the left arm. The fifth figurine is a nude male with both arms extended. This may represent an offering bearer, common among votives, or, perhaps, part of a figural handle for a cista (votive chest or container).
