Bronze Sculptural Group with Hercules and the Ceryneian Hind

Small bronze sculpture depicting the third labour of Heracles: the capture of the Ceryneian Hind, an animal sacred to Artemis and renowned for its golden antlers. The hero is shown restraining the animal with his knee and grasping it by the antlers. The scene is intense and dynamic, rendered with remarkable attention to anatomical detail.

Discovered in 1926 and initially covered with marine concretions, the sculpture was identified thanks to an X-ray carried out at the hospital in Reggio Calabria, which made its subsequent restoration possible. Originally, the small sculpture was fixed to a wooden base—now lost—by means of long iron pins that are still visible. It probably formed part of the ship’s lararium, a small shrine used for performing rites on board. Alternatively, it may have been intended for sale as a trade object.

The myth of Hercules and the Ceryneian Hind recounts one of the hero’s twelve labours: Hercules was required to capture alive the sacred hind of Artemis, with golden antlers and bronze hooves. After a year-long pursuit, he succeeded in taking it without killing it, demonstrating not only strength, but also self-control and respect for the will of the gods.