A carved boxwood allegory of strength - image-1

Lot 113 Dα

A carved boxwood allegory of strength

Auction 1182 - overview Cologne
15.07.2021, 11:00 - The Exceptional Bernard De Leye Collection
Estimate: 6.000 € - 7.000 €
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A carved boxwood allegory of strength

A carved boxwood statuette carved in the round from several pieces of wood joined together on a small rocky plinth. Depicting a young man with long, bound hair standing in contrapposto, grasping the lion who leaps up behind him by the mane and tail. H 30.5 cm. On an ebonized wooden plinth. H 39.5, W 13.5, D 11.2 cm.
Attributed to Southern Germany / Bohemia, early 17th century.

This constellation of figures could be interpreted as Hercules with the Nemean lion, but the academic depiction of the Greek hero is based on the ancient Heracles Farnese, bearded, with short curls and an athletic physique. This figure, on the other hand, it is a Mannerist, almost androgynous male image.