Hercules and Diomedes by V. dei Rossi (16th century) - Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

This sculpture proves beyond question that the sixteenth century Italians had a robust sense of humor. Clearly, the wrestler depicted here is in trouble. Just when you think your are winning the battle is when you may find that you are the most vulnerable, if your opponent chooses to not play by the rules. This twenty inch sculpture will send a message to your competitors if it is placed in the proper setting. -- WDM

Hercules and Diomedes  20" H Bonded White Marble on Marble Base $336 (less Internet discount of $46) = $290 (freight $24)

This statue is one of the twelve depicting The Labors of Hercules that Vincenzo dei Rossi, a follower of Michelangelo, was commissioned to make for the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The statue conveys tremendous force which is contained in a very compact design. The eighth task assigned to Hercules was to bring back to Eurystheus the man eating mares of Diomedes. Diomedes, the son of Ares the war god, was king of the Bistones in Thrace. The four mares which he owned were chained to their troughs where they fed upon human flesh. The powerful Hercules took them and drove them to the sea for embarkation. However, he was delayed in his plans when the king aroused his people to attack and return the mares. Hercules routed the attackers, vanquished the evil king and fed him to the mares who then became quite tame. This is the same item that was previously available from Eleganza in Seattle.