In the Hellenistic tradition, this exquisite sculpture compares its youthful subject to the hero god Herakles, who wore the skin of the Nemean lion. The jewel-like carving, in the manner...
In the Hellenistic tradition, this exquisite sculpture compares its youthful subject to the hero god Herakles, who wore the skin of the Nemean lion. The jewel-like carving, in the manner of the best imperial workshops, lends remarkable sensitivity on a small scale. Whose image it might be is less certain; one of the young rulers of the Severan Dynasty perhaps, maybe Gordian III, or even Constantine the Great. Such breathtaking beauty is timeless: any age and culture would acknowledge this as a treasure.