Roman Marble Hand of Hercules Holding his Club, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 2nd - 3rd century CE

This striking fragment of Roman marble sculpture showcases Hercules's left hand firmly gripping his club, distinguished by its three prominent nodes and a heavy rounded top. The marble has been carefully sculpted to reflect the distinctive bark of an olive tree with its rough and abstract texture of swirls and streaks that resemble brushstrokes on a canvas A very cool fragment of Roman sculpture!

Hercules's club and lion skin cloak are the two most significant symbols associated with him in ancient art. They represent the first of his Twelve Labors: slaying the Nemean Lion. The lion's skin was impenetrable to weapons, so Hercules uprooted an entire wild olive tree and carved his club from the tree. He used this club to stun the lion before ultimately strangling it. These two attributes—the club and lion skin—have been used to identify Hercules since the myth was created. Alexander the Great also depicted himself wearing the lion skin on drachm coins to compare himself to the warrior-hero during his reign. 

Medium: Marble

Dimensions: Height: 9 3/4 inches (25 cm)

Condition: From a larger sculpture, the club is rejoined from two original pieces with light cosmetic touchup over the break lines. Presented on a museum quality custom base.

Provenance: Dr. Arnold Saslow private collection, NJ, acquired from Sotheby’s London, in the late 1970s.