The Farnese Hercules, the famous antique marble figure of the muscular Greek hero leaning on his club and lion skin, was first recorded in 1556 when it was discovered in the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.
Signed by Glykon, it proceeded to fix the image of the mythic hero throughout Europe and through the following centuries it was reproduced many times in marble and bronze.
This 11½in (29cm) high 18th century Italian bronze figure of the Farnese Hercules is guided at £500-800 at Hannam’s Auctioneers in Selborne, Hampshire, on September 3-5.