142 - Figure of Hercules. Roman Empire, 3rd–4th centuries AD.

Figure of Hercules. Roman Empire, 3rd–4th centuries AD. Bronze. Measurements: 3.8 cm (height). Provenance: Family bequest from Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. An archaeological collection assembled beginning in the 1950s by successive generations of the family through purchases at European galleries and auction houses. This piece previously belonged to a private French collection. Acquired prior to the 1980s. A bronze figure, sculpted in the round, depicting Hercules, clearly identifiable by the club he holds in his left arm. Hercules was the name in Roman mythology for the Greek mythological hero Heracles. He was the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, and he carried out twelve great labors for which he was deified. Hercules represents the embodiment of the divine in the human, and is one of the solar heroes. He is depicted with a powerful physique, carrying the olive-wood club (his primary weapon) and wearing the skin of the Nemean lion.