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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.196
Title
Herakles
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, statuette
Date
1st-3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304272

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
4.7 x 2.6 cm (1 7/8 x 1 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Leaded Bronze:
Cu, 78.66; Sn, 4.14; Pb, 16.97; Zn, 0.018; Fe, 0.02; Ni, 0.07; Ag, 0.04; Sb, 0.09; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is green and brown with tan burial deposits. The object is missing the lower proper right arm and lower portions of both legs. The figurine was solid cast by lost-wax casting with sculpting and surface work done in the wax model before casting.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.196
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
Both the small scale and the simplified representation of Herakles mark this figure as a votive offering to the god in a temple or sanctuary setting. The figure is missing both legs below the knee and the lower right arm, which likely held his club. The skin of the Nemean Lion, from Herakles’ first labor, drapes over his left arm and hangs downward (1).

NOTES:

1. For Herakles, see Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae Herakles nos. 762-65, 770, and 772-74.


Aaron J. Paul

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes
  • Roman Domestic Art

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu