Classical World, Etruria, ca. early 6th century CE. In a word, wow! An incredible example of a cast bronze nude male figure depicting a youthful, muscular Heracles (Herakles, Hercules). The mythical hero's expressive visage presents wide open eyes, an aquiline nose, and pursed lips. He stands in a dynamic pose with his left foot forward, his right arm raised and holding a long club, and his left arm draped with the skin of the Nemean lion and outstretched to a hand gripping a sharp weapon. Etruscan art from this period shows the clear influence of Classical Greek models, with fluid poses and naturalistic features, and this figurine may have been based on a large public statue of similar form. Herakles was incredibly popular in ancient Etruria, with scenes from his myth depicted over and over again in all forms of art. Size: 5.625" H (14.3 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

The Etruscans were in contact with the Greek colonies in southern Italy throughout their existence and much of their trade and artwork connections were more closely related to the Greeks than to the Romans with whom they are more often associated. Etruria - modern day Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria - was rich in metals, including copper, and the Etruscans drew upon their native resources to become master bronzesmiths. Votive figures like this one were traded far and wide according to Pliny the Elder. Titus Livius records that when the consul Marcus Fluvius Flaccus conquered the Etruscan city of Volsinii, they took a line of wagons, including two thousand bronze statues, to Rome, where they were melted down to make coinage to finance the war against Carthage.

A similar example sold at Bonhams in 2008 for $1500 (http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/15941/lot/247/).

Provenance: private Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 2014; ex Art for Eternity, New York, New York, USA; ex private German collection R.G.; ex Dr. Leo Mildenburg 1974 through 1990

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#131843

Lower section of right leg missing. Normal age wear with stunning pale blue-green patina.