LOT 0169

Roman Marble Torso of 'Weary' Hercules

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

25 1/2 in. (28.7 kg total, 65 cm including stand).

Finely carved torso of a youthful male, retaining exceptional anatomical definition, depicted in a relaxed contrapposto with the weight borne on the right leg and the pelt of an animal skin draped over the left shoulder; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

Anderson collection, before 1987.
Private collection, Australia, 2003.
Pierre Bergé & Associés, 15 October 2005, no.191 (€55,000 - €60,000).

Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence no.1775-3178156.
Accompanied by copies of the relevant Pierre Bergé & Associés catalogue pages.
Accompanied by copies of a letter from The Art Loss Register confirming the piece has been checked on their Database of stolen works of art, 5 September 2000.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13457-260918.

Cf. Mazor, G. and Atrash, W. (2021) ‘Torso of a ‘Weary Heracles’ Marble Statuette from Ḥorbat Ṭarbenet, in Atiqot, Vol. 104, Article 15, 2021, pp.167-177, fig.1, for the type.

The model reflects the Roman adaptation of established Greek prototypes, demonstrating both fidelity to classical forms and the Roman penchant for idealised physicality imbued with heroic identity.