Roman Hercules Torso
2nd–3rd century AD
Marble, height 12.5 cm
Private collection
Carved in high relief, this Roman marble torso depicts Hercules with a strongly articulated physique and a twisting pose. The position of the body suggests that the hero was shown engaged in one of his labours.
The fragment may originally have formed part of a sarcophagus decorated with the Labours of Hercules. Its composition invites comparison with a sarcophagus panel in the Palazzo Ducale, Mantua, dating to around AD 170. This possible original setting remains an interpretation rather than a certainty.
The torso was formerly in the collection of the American fashion designer Bill Blass. Its collecting history is recorded in the accompanying factsheet.
Provenance
- Private collection, Salisbury, UK, 18th century
- With Bruce McAlpine, London, 1994
- Bill Blass collection, New York
- The Bill Blass Collection, Sotheby’s, New York, 21–23 October 2003, lot 467
- Estate of Erwin Harris
Download the factsheet for the full discussion and comparative bibliography.