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Limestone statue of Herakles

2nd half of the 4th century BCE
Not on view
In the late sixth century B.C. a local Cypriot god was assimilated with the powerful animal-slaying Greek hero, Herakles. On Cyprus he is shown bearded or beardless, wearing a lion's skin and a short tunic and holding a miniature lion in his hand. Herakles was the male divinity most often represented in Cypriot sanctuaries. In the Classical period, King Evagoras of Salamis placed images of Herakles as a Panhellenic hero on his coinage. At the same time the Phoenician kings at Kition identified him with the Phoenician god, Melqart, who was worshiped at Kition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Limestone statue of Herakles
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: 2nd half of the 4th century BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 21 3/8 × 8 × 2 3/4 in., 14 lb. (54.3 × 20.3 × 7 cm, 6.4 kg)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2660
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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