Roman Bronze Figure of Hercules. 2nd-3rd century A.D. Depicted nude in a contrapposto stance with the weight on his left leg, holding a club on the crook of his left hand with lion skin draped over the arm, and a cup in his right hand. Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 105, for the type. 115 grams, 86 mm (3 3/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Acquired in the 1980s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12615-234681. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The statuette, perhaps of Gallo-Roman origin, was likely part of a private lararium. It is a provincial work, but is well-proportioned. Unlike other statuettes of this type, Hercules is beardless. The upper part of the head was probably covered by a laurel crown.

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