Roman Calcite, Marble and Glass Mosaic of Hercules, 3rd-4th Century AD
It depicts Hercules crowned with a wreath, lying naked on the skin of the Nemean lion. He holds a kantharos and his club is on the ground by his feet. A mosaic depicting the same theme is preserved at Princeton University Art Museum (Inv. 1965-220).
The first of Heracles’ twelve labors, set by King Eurystheus (his cousin) was to slay the Nemean lion.
Hercules mosaic
Roman period, second century
Stone and glass mosaic tiles
99 x 99 cm
(Source: pba-auctions.com)