Vases Bust of a Boy with the Attributes of Herakles
Bust of a Boy with the Attributes of Herakles

Bust of a Boy with the Attributes of Herakles

150–100 B.C.
This thinly-cast bust depicts a youth wearing a lion-skin over his head and a quiver strap across the chest. The figure has delicate features and fine hair that is drawn up in a braid with tendrils falling onto his forehead. Two small holes at the bottom edge may have been used to attach this bust to a piece of furniture.

The figure may depict a young Herakles, or an unidentifiable youth in the guise of the great hero. A third possibility is that this young man is Eros, who was often depicted with attributes associated with Herakles.
Date
150–100 B.C.
Culture
Greek
Dimensions
H: 17.30 cm
Medium
Bronze
Museum
J. Paul Getty Museum
Accession Number
96.AB.31
Image Source
getty_cc0
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)