These two sculptures depict the Roman’s view of a youthful Hercules, bearded and not bearded (AD 68-98). One has a lions hide draped over Hercules arm while the other shows him wearing the hide over his head and tied around his neck. Wearing the skin of a beast shows the strength of Hercules; more powerful than a lion. These statues are inspired by Greek myths and art. The sculpted lion hide reminded me of the lion carcass brought up in the story of Samson from the Holy Bible. In this story Samson is strong like Hercules, killing a lion for getting in his way.

This sculpture shows the view of Hercules in the eyes of the Pakistani (the ancient region of Gandhara). The small size of this stone work can hardly be compared to the detailed statue created by the Romans. However, I found it interesting that in this depiction Hercules isn’t wearing the lion hide but we see him wrestling with the lion. Hercules hasn’t quite conquered him but we are still shown his bravery.

Sara Neher