Historic Classical Mythology Roman Bronze Plaque Mount Hercules (Heracles)

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Historic Classical Mythology Roman Bronze Plaque Mount Hercules (Heracles):
$6686.46

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Description

Attributed to the Roman Period

Hercules Beneath a Classical Column

Cast Bronze Figural Relief Plaque or Mount | Classical Antiquity

Highlights

• Substantial cast bronze relief plaque or decorative mount.

• Depicts a heroic male figure identified as Hercules or Heracles.

• Classical architectural setting incorporating a column.

• Lion-skin and possible club forms associated with traditional Herculean iconography.

• Attributed to the Roman period based upon its subject, form, casting and surface characteristics.

• Deeply developed patina with areas of pitting and encrustation.

• Compact cabinet scale with a substantial weight of approximately 200 grams.

• Provenance from an old international collection.

• Subsequently acquired from a Southern Shires dealer.

• Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Introduction

A fascinating cast bronze relief plaque or mount depicting a heroic male figure identified as Hercules, or Heracles, accompanied by a classical architectural column.

The figure is presented in heroic nudity, with surviving relief forms that appear consistent with the lion skin and club traditionally associated with Hercules in Greco-Roman art. The column introduces a temple-like or portico setting and gives the composition a distinctly architectural character.

Attributed to the Roman period, the object may originally have functioned as a decorative mount or appliqué attached to a piece of furniture, casket, ceremonial object or domestic fitting. Its precise original purpose remains unconfirmed.

Catalogue Details

Culture: Attributed to the Roman world

Period: Attributed to the Roman period

Subject: Hercules or Heracles within a classical architectural setting

Object Type: Relief plaque, mount or appliqué

Material: Cast bronze or copper alloy

Technique: Cast in relief

Maker: Unknown

Findspot: Unrecorded

Original Function: Unconfirmed; probably a decorative mount or appliqué

Catalogue Note

The compact composition is dominated by the standing male figure, whose heroic nudity and accompanying drapery-like forms support an identification as Hercules.

The relief appears to incorporate elements associated with the hero’s canonical iconography, particularly the lion skin and possible club. Hercules was commonly represented nude or semi-nude, with the lion skin obtained through his first labour and the heavy club that became his most recognisable weapon.

A classical column frames one side of the scene, creating the impression of a temple, portico or monumental architectural setting. This element gives the small relief a greater sense of scale and visual importance.

The surface retains extensive patination, pitting, softened detail and areas of encrustation. These characteristics contribute to its archaeological appearance but should not, in isolation, be treated as definitive proof of age.

The original fixing method and the object to which the plaque may once have been attached have not been identified. It is therefore described broadly as a plaque, mount or appliqué rather than assigned a definitive ancient function.

Hercules In Roman Culture

Known as Heracles in Greek mythology and Hercules in the Roman world, the hero was celebrated for his extraordinary strength, endurance and completion of the Twelve Labours.

His image became widespread throughout the Roman Empire, appearing in sculpture, reliefs, jewellery, coins, domestic objects and architectural decoration. The lion skin and club allowed viewers to identify him immediately.

To Roman audiences, Hercules could represent courage, perseverance, victory over adversity and protective strength. His imagery was adopted in both private and public contexts and was sometimes associated with military success, imperial authority and personal virtue.

The present relief belongs iconographically to this enduring classical tradition.

Provenance

From an old international collection.

Acquired from a notable dealer in the Southern Shires.

Subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

No documented excavation history or recorded archaeological findspot accompanies the object.

Dimensions

Length: 6.8 cm

Width: 5.8 cm

Depth: 1.1 cm

Weight: Approximately 200 grams

Condition Report

Presented in condition consistent with a bronze object of considerable age.

The surface displays extensive wear, varied brown and green patination, pitting, mineralised deposits and areas of encrustation. Fine details have softened, and there are irregularities associated with casting, age and historic Environmental exposure.

No modern cleaning or restoration is stated. The object has not been subjected to metallurgical analysis or independent archaeological authentication.

Please inspect all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

The bronze will be carefully packaged and dispatched using a tracked and fully insured service wherever available.

International purchasers are responsible for confirming any import restrictions applying within their destination country. Additional documentation or an export licence may be required depending upon the object’s accepted age, value and destination.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution
The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

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Terms of Sale

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About Us

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD is a UK registered company, incorporated in April 2024, specialising in British and European fine art, antique paintings, sculpture and historically significant works of art dating from the seventeenth century through to the contemporary period.

This hands-on approach ensures every work is researched, presented and delivered to the highest professional standard.

We combine careful historical research, professional catalogue preparation and exceptional customer service to present every work with accuracy, transparency and scholarly context.

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Please contact us via Messages. We aim to respond promptly to all enquiries and are always happy to answer questions before or after your historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market. These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise cu
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