Who is Hercules Lansdowne?

Hercules Lansdowne is the tamer of the Nemean Lion. Hercules was sentenced to serve the Tirynian king Eurystheus for twelve years, who set him twelve tasks. The first task was to procure the skin of the Nemean Lion. When Hercules realised that the lion was not vulnerable to arrows, he used his huge olive wood club to defeat the beast, without success. After a chase through crevices, Hercules finally strangled the lion himself with truly Herculean strength. He skinned the lion with his claws and covered himself with the fur he had captured. The heroe returned to Tiryns in this outfit. When King Eurystheus saw Hercules in the lion’s skin, he was scared to death and hid in a jar.

Historical significance, details

Today, it is widely assumed that the sculptor of Hercules Lansdowne was not modelled on a unique Greek masterpiece. Rather, the sculptor of the statue may have created something new, but entirely in the Greek late-classical style of the fourth century B.C. The statue also represents one of the most beautiful sculptural finds from the grounds of Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli near Rome. Other famous finds from this imperial villa include the statue of Osiris Antinous, the statue of the Discus Thrower, the mosaic of the so-called Pigeon Pool, the statue of Diana at Versailles, the Crouching Aphrodite, the statue of Capitoline Antinous and the Capitolines, or “Furietti” versions of the statues of a young and old centaur. When Hercules Lansdowne was recovered, the statue was not completely preserved. A Roman sculptor completed the missing parts of the statue: the nose was completed; the right forearm, several fingers, the rear part of the lion’s skin, part of the right thigh and the entire left calf were modelled.

Antique statue. Life-size bronze cast in museum quality

The life-size bronze cast that you can buy in our online shop is produced as a bronze cast using the traditional lost wax technique. The negative mould required for this is based on a plaster cast of the original made at Lansdowne House in London in 1897. The finished bronze sculpture is of museum quality and corresponds to the original as it was in 1897 with the additions and restorations carried out in Rome before it was shipped to London.

Buy Lansdowne Hercules as cast marble & marble sculpture from sculptor

In addition to the classic bronze casting, we also offer two other moulds for the statue shown here. The marble cast from powdered genuine white marble. And the new moulding of the statue by sculptors from a single block of white marble. If you are interested in such a mould, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your e-mail or phone call.

Patinating the statue

Patination marks the final step in the finishing process of a bronze statue. The patina simulates the natural oxidation process that causes the bronze to weather differently over time, depending on the environmental influences on the copper alloy. We have various patina recipes in our repertoire, including one that closely matches the patina of preserved antique bronze statues. We will be happy to provide you with samples of suitable patinas in advance.

Individualisation of the statue

Each statue cast by us is engraved in the base with a serial number, date of manufacture and our company logo. The base of the life-size bronze casting is also engraved with your name, a lettering, the occasion of production, your own company logo or an additional engraving as required.

Your very personal legacy

Our life-size cast bronze replicas are therefore not only artistic replicas, but also timeless reminders that will preserve your legacy for generations to come. By engraving your name, the date and the occasion on the base, this statue becomes an everlasting symbol of your most personal life achievement, your significance in this world and your work there.

Memory cast in bronze in the radiant light of antiquity

Ancient Greek bronze statues and their masterfully crafted Roman marble replicas were the sensual and visual mirror of these two advanced civilisations for over a millennium. After their rediscovery during the Renaissance, these statues once again became world-famous and symbolised the emergence of modernity. The statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements in the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome.

Locations for the installation of ancient statues & list of parks with ancient sculptures

Antique statues are hardly available in the original. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, expensive replicas have been made for castles, their parks and also for the mansions of the wealthy bourgeoisie. During this period, a canon for the installation and placement of these works of art was created that developed into modern times. Here you will find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for antique statues.
In our online shop, we also offer you an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each of which has an impressive collection of antique sculptures. With specific details of which statues can be seen where. Go travelling, let yourself be inspired!