Roman - Giallo Antico Marble - Statue of Herakles (Hercules) > Lot No. 529

Description:
Circa 2nd century AD, from North Africa. Herakles shown in his finely depicted lion-skin, the head of the lion-skin hanging over his left arm while he pulls it over his right shoulder and clutches the legs to his chest in his right hand; holding in his left hand a bowl once containing the apples of Hesperides and his club resting by his relaxed left leg; the torso and legs well-muscled, with well defined bare feet.

Measurements:
63 cm.

Condition:
Fine; head and apples (from bowl) missing and some localised chipping.

Provenance:
Ex Bonhams Sale 11597, Lot 219 (from an old English collection).

Comments notes:
The back of the piece with a rectangular recessed slot, continuing down to the heels, suggesting that the statue was possibly an architectural fixture.

Export licence:
No

Low estimate: £8,000
High estimate: £10,000

Auction date: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH