Roman 'Hercules' Statue. Base width: 23.5 cm; Height: 64 cm. An impressive 2nd Century A.D. marble torso of Hercules celebrating his eleventh labour. In his left hand he holds the bowl which would have contained four apples protected by the Hesperides, the stealing of which was one of Hercules' labours. Since Hercules sent Atlas to procure the apples, scenes of the labour itself are not generally seen, and are therefore rare.

This statue however, shows Hercules holding the bowl, which would have contained Zeus' Golden apples. Carved here in all his splendour, Hercules with his left leg bent leans on his club. The bottom of the club can clearly be seen running down the back of his leg and is positioned behind his left heel. He pulls the lion's skin over his left shoulder by the beast's back legs, and across the front of his upper body with his left hand held in a fist. The head of the lion hangs over his left arm, with the lions front paws hanging over the club to the left of this ankle.

Good detail and muscular body form are magnified by the use of exquisite marble and a famous subject. The Roman god Hercules was a classical figure much revered by the Romans and especially the Roman Army. An expertly crafted work of art probably from a temple. Click on the enlarged view for more details.

Roman 'Hercules' Statue

Base width: 23.5 cm; Height: 64 cm. An impressive 2nd Century A.D. marble torso of Hercules celebrating his eleventh labour. In his left hand he holds the bowl which would have contained four apples protected by the Hesperides, the stealing of which was one of Hercules' labours. Since Hercules sent Atlas to procure the apples, scenes of the labour itself are not generally seen, and are therefore rare.

This statue however, shows Hercules holding the bowl (frag), which would have contained Zeus' Golden apples. Carved here in all his splendour, Hercules with his left leg bent leans on his club. The bottom of the club can clearly be seen running down the back of his leg and is positioned behind his left heel. He pulls the lion's skin over his left shoulder by the beast's back legs, and across the front of his upper body with his left hand held in a fist. The head of the lion hangs over his left arm, with the lions front paws hanging over the club to the left of this ankle.

Good detail and muscular body form are magnified by the use of exquisite marble and a famous subject. The Roman god Hercules was a classical figure much revered by the Romans and especially the Roman Army. An expertly crafted work of art probably from a temple. Click here for more images.

Emperor Commodus as Hercules

Hercules is nearly always depicted naked, but the commissioner of this work had the artist depict the torso wrapped by the lion's skin. In our opinion this statue could be one of the 'lost' statues of Commodus dressed as Hercules. Click on this link to learn more.

The Careful Choice of material

This marble is NUMIDIAN, from Tunisia, North Africa. It is called giallo antico, from the ancient Roman Quarries at Chemtou; a rich golden or pale yellow marble. This statue of the god Hercules was carved from the most beautiful and rare type which has veins of orange and pink running through it. This pink and yellow marble was prized throughout the Roman world.

From an old English collection.

Roman Mercury 'Messenger of the Gods' Statuette. Copper alloy, 38.96 grams; 66.54 mm. 2nd Century A.D. naked figure of Mercury. He was the messenger of the gods. The wings on his helmet and sandals allowed him to travel very quickly to wherever a god might send him. He was the god of travellers and tradesmen. Wonderful patination.This statue is an exquisite piece of 2nd Century Roman art, with beautiful body form and classical posture.

Mercury had essentially the same aspects as the Greek Hermes, wearing a winged petasos, carrying purse, chlamys and carrying the caduceus, a herald's staff with two entwined snakes that was Apollo's gift to Hermes. He was often accompanied by a cockerel, herald of the new day, a ram or goat, symbolizing fertility, and a tortoise, referring to Mercury's legendary invention of the lyre from a tortoise shell. Like Hermes, he was also a messenger of the gods and a god of trade, peculiarly of the grain trade. Mercury was also considered a god of abundance and commercial success, particularly in Gaul.