Herakles in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, October 2009

Statue of Herakles
Roman, Imperial Period, probably Hadrianic, A.D. 117–138

Place of Manufacture: Rome, Italy

Dimensions: Height: 57 cm (22 7/16 in.)

Medium or Technique: Marble (from Carrara, Italy)

Classification: Sculpture

Catalogue Raisonné: Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 139; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 110-111 (additional published references).

Accession Number: 14.733

Herakles rests his right hand on one end of his club, the other end of which is supported on a small elevation beside his foot. The lion's skin hangs over the extended left arm, and the left hand evidently held a bow. The hero's great strength is suggested by the massive neck and swelling shoulder muscles. Hair and beard are carved in short, thick curls, and the ears show the swollen cartilage characteristic of boxer's ears.

Condition: The missing parts comprise the ...tip of the nose, the left forearm and hand (which were at some time refastened), and a corner of the plinth. When found, the whole surface was covered with a hard incrustation, which has been removed with care from the front by means of acid.

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/statue-of-herakles-151142