Italian, 16th century. Hercules and the Nemean Lion

white marble. 102cm., 40 1/8 in. Estimate 40,000—60,000 GBP

NOTE: In ancient mythology, the slaying of the Nemean lion was the first of Hercules' twelve labours. The present marble statue, probably originally intended for a garden, shows the ancient hero stepping over the defeated lion in a wide stride. In a dramatic way, he is shown about to kill the lion by both turning his head upside down, and at the same time strecthing apart his jaws. One wonders if the crack of the breaking spine or that of the jaws will be heard first. But the lion is not defeated yet, since the lion raises his right frontal paw in pain. The concentration of the action on Hercules opening the lion's jaws follows a visual formula frequently employed in the middle ages for depictions of Samson victorious over the lion, but it gives it an original twist by pushing the battle to its limits.

Sotheby's. Old Master Sculpture and Works of Art. 02 Dec 08. London. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com