Roman Blue Glass Bead Necklace String

Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with phallus to the right, hand in the fica gesture to the left and male genitals below; each with a loop beneath for attachment of another pendant; large loop above and attachment strap with stud. 81.5 grams, 68 mm



Acquired in Europe in 1990s. European private collection.

Conical sheet-gold cap with inset coral rod. 0.61 grams, 22 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

Hollow-formed figure of Hercules resting with his weight on his left arm, cradling his club; lionskin mantle drawn over his head and covering his shoulders, back and thighs; right arm resting on his right thigh, holding a corner of the mantle; scaphoid base with attachment holes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.28 kg total, 25 cm wide including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

This bronze was probably a chariot decoration. Hercules is represented here in mature age, bearded and with a cap and body covered by the skin of the Nemean Lion, killed in the first of his labours. This kind of image of Hercules was mainly widespread in the second to third century A.D., when emperors like Commodus and Maximianus Herculius identified themselves as the new Hercules at the top of the Roman state.