Statuette of Herakles
Bronze
Etruscan
circa 500 B.C.
Height: 5 1/8 inches (13 cm)
Herakles, a Greek hero, was the most popular of Etruscan deities. Unlike contemporary Greek depictions of the god, Archaic Etruscan versions of Herakles are always youthful and beardless. In his raised right hand, Herakles brandishes his club. The left hand is extended, perhaps to counter balance the swinging of the club. The stiff, formal pose of this statuette with one foot in front of the other is reminiscent of Greek kouros figures. Enlivened by a rich mottled green patina, our statuette is one of the finest examples of its kind.
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