Roman Basalt Male Torso Ca. 1st - 2nd century AD. Height: 17in (43cm) This striking male torso of Hercules weighs nearly 400lbs. Its musculature and monumentality conjures an image of the Farnese Hercules, one of the most famous sculptures surviving from antiquity, and the sculpture helped fix Herakles as an essential ancient hero. The torso pictured here is made of basalt, a material four times heavier than marble. Basalt was used in the construction of Roman roads and foundations because of its durability. The artist’s choice to use this monumental material speaks not only to the importance of the subject. For more information about this piece, please dm us or contact us at [email protected] #art #ancientart #roman #romanempire #classics #academia #sculpture #romanhistory #hercules