This is a most excellent bronze, and so far thus attracted far less attention that it deserves!
The subject is clear – Herakles resting after the labours that ran him ragged over most of the known world and beyond. In my view this is one of the very finest representations of the hero at rest to survive (alas, I am biased – what can beat a superb bronze!). The 3rd century B.C. statuette is slightly under 40 cm tall, including the base (with helpful silvered inscription that was added a few centuries later on the occasion of its dedication at a Sanctuary to the god in Sulmona (Abruzzo), where it was found in 1959.
Such superb bronzes of this scale can be somewhat head scratching…they bring to mine (to helpless romantics) the famed works of Lysippos made for the contemplation of Alexander the Great and his fellow diners on campaign…(Herakles Epitrapezios, I’m looking at you!)
Regardless of the potential artist and original function, this is Herakles at his very best. An admirable mass of man meat, weary but triumphant as he leans against his club and lion skin, with the intent gaze and very slight smile of someone who has accomplished the impossible. His energy is latent but still potent, and before things start to go rather badly for him – the world is his oyster and the possibilities endless!
