Detail View: The AMICA Library: Hercules

AMICA ID: 
CMA_.1987.2
AMICA Library Year: 
2000
Object Type: 
Sculpture
Creator Nationality: 
Roman
Creator Name-CRT: 
Italy, Rome, Early Imperial period
Title: 
Hercules
Title Type: 
Primary
View: 
Full View
Creation Date: 
c. 30 BC - 20
Creation Start Date: 
-30
Creation End Date: 
-20
Materials and Techniques: 
bronze with silver and copper inlays
Style or Period: 
Italy, Rome, Early Imperial period
Dimensions: 
Overall: 14.5cm x 8cm
AMICA Contributor: 
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number: 
1987.2
Credit Line: 
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Rights: 
Provenance: 
Private Collection, Switzerland
Context: 
Half-human, half-divine, not very bright but amazingly strong, this hero was the most popular of all mythological figures. Ordinary people could identify with his intellectural weakness, while his persistence in undergoing great trials gave them hope in their own earthly struggles. Roman artists often portrayed Hercules as middle-aged, as though greater maturity increased his power and virility.In his most famous adventure, Hercules slew a monster lion--the scourge of Nemea (near Corinth)--by strangling it and beating it with his olive-wood club. Forever after, he wore the beast's pelt as a trophy.This statuette's right hand once held a club.
Related Image Identifier Link: 
CMA_.1987.2.tif