Protome of Hercules; Rome, 1st-2nd centuries AD.

Protomus of Hercules; Rome, 1st-2nd century AD.
Bronze.
Measurements: 9,6 x 5,5 cm.
Roman bronze chariot protome in high relief depicting a detailed head and bust of a young Hercules with his lion's cape on his head and tied over his chest. The hollow, rectangular back retains the original nail that was used to attach the piece to the wood. This piece was probably used to decorate the front of a Roman chariot.
The Romans brought two important innovations to the world of sculpture: portraiture and historical relief, neither of which existed in the Greek world. However, they followed Greek models for much of their sculptural production. Hercules or Heracles is the most famous hero of Greek mythology and perhaps also of classical antiquity. His name derives from the goddess Hera and the Greek word "kleos" (glory), meaning "glory of Hera".