Statuette of Herakles
4th-3rd century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
7.5 × 5 × 1.3 cm (2 7/8 × 2 × 1/2 in.)
Classification
statuette
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
72219
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze statuette of Herakles, crafted by Ancient Etruscan artisans in the 4th-3rd century BCE, captures the mighty Greek hero—known to the Etruscans as Hercle—in compact form measuring just 7.5 × 5 × 1.3 cm. Likely produced using the sophisticated lost-wax casting technique common in the ancient Mediterranean, it exemplifies the Etruscans' mastery of bronze work, a medium prized for its durability and ability to convey muscular detail and dynamic poses. Herakles stands as a symbol of strength, often depicted in heroic feats, reflecting the Etruscans' admiration for Greek mytholo...