An excellent carved wood statue of the Farnese Hercules, dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. This finely carved figure is after the ancient Roman marble statue that dates to circa 216 AD, and is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The statue depicts a muscular Hercules leaning on his club that has the skin of the Nemean lion draped over it, that he had just defeated as the first of the twelve labours that he had to complete. This has been a popular statue for reproductions, especially since the 16th century following its rediscovery. Most copies are in bronze which makes this example in wood is quite rare. This statue appears to be a study as the right side of his neck/head remain unfinished with visible chisel marks. The feet are also roughly blocked in and lack the fine detail the rest of the statue displays.
Dimensions:
Height: 44.5cm. Width: 21.5cm. Depth: 14.5cm.
Condition:
The statue appears to have been split in two vertically and reattached – down the left shoulder and across the base that has old staple repairs to the underside. There is filler/restoration in both of these areas but matched in well and only visible on the back of his shoulder and at the back of the base. Right hand is missing and damage/loss to left fingertips. Age related wear as expected but displays well. Please examine photos carefully.
Postage:
Calculated at checkout.
Item will be sent tracked and signed-for.
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