Ancient Roman, Empire Terracotta Ancient Roman Theatre Ticket Depicting Hercules Fighting the Nemean Lion
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Ancient Roman terracotta theatre tessera titled Ancient Roman Theatre Ticket Depicting Hercules Fighting the Nemean Lion, dating to circa 1st–3rd century AD, in excellent condition, weighing 0.6 g and measuring 11.7 × 11.6 × 5.2 mm.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Theatre Ticket Depicting Hercules Fighting the Nemean Lion
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Terracotta
Weight: 0.6 g
Dimensions: 11.7 × 11.6 × 5.2 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A fascinating and very rare Ancient Roman terracotta theatre tessera, featuring a remarkable mythological scene interpreted as Hercules wrestling with the legendary Nemean Lion – one of the most celebrated episodes of classical mythology.
Despite its exceptionally small dimensions, this ancient piece displays an intriguing figurative composition in raised relief. The central scene appears to capture the dramatic confrontation between the mighty hero Hercules and the fearsome lion of Nemea, a creature whose impenetrable hide rendered ordinary weapons useless.
According to ancient mythology, Hercules ultimately defeated the beast through his extraordinary physical strength, strangling it with his bare hands. This legendary achievement became the first of his Twelve Labours and established Hercules as one of the most enduring symbols of courage, strength and triumph over seemingly impossible challenges.
A fascinating connection to Roman theatre:
Theatre and public entertainment occupied an important place in Roman society. Mythological narratives, heroic struggles and legendary figures formed an essential part of the cultural imagination of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Small terracotta tesserae are documented among the admission tokens used for theatrical performances in Roman antiquity. Their inexpensive material made them particularly suitable for production in considerable quantities, allowing access to public performances and other organised events to be regulated.
The dramatic imagery of Hercules confronting the Nemean Lion would have been especially appropriate within this cultural environment, where audiences were familiar with the legendary adventures of the ancient hero.
Remarkable miniature craftsmanship:
Measuring only 11.7 mm across and weighing a mere 0.6 grams, this tiny terracotta object offers a fascinating example of ancient miniature relief decoration.
The surviving raised design, reddish terracotta fabric and characteristic ancient surface deposits contribute to its appealing archaeological appearance. The reverse preserves a distinctive arrangement of impressed linear markings, adding further visual interest to the piece.
Its exceptionally compact format and mythological subject make it a particularly engaging object for collectors of Roman antiquities, ancient theatre memorabilia and representations of Hercules.
A remarkable survivor from the cultural world of Roman antiquity, bringing together classical mythology, ancient entertainment and miniature craftsmanship in a single evocative artefact.
A very rare and captivating collector's piece.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Theatre Ticket Depicting Hercules Fighting the Nemean Lion
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Terracotta
Weight: 0.6 g
Dimensions: 11.7 × 11.6 × 5.2 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A fascinating and very rare Ancient Roman terracotta theatre tessera, featuring a remarkable mythological scene interpreted as Hercules wrestling with the legendary Nemean Lion – one of the most celebrated episodes of classical mythology.
Despite its exceptionally small dimensions, this ancient piece displays an intriguing figurative composition in raised relief. The central scene appears to capture the dramatic confrontation between the mighty hero Hercules and the fearsome lion of Nemea, a creature whose impenetrable hide rendered ordinary weapons useless.
According to ancient mythology, Hercules ultimately defeated the beast through his extraordinary physical strength, strangling it with his bare hands. This legendary achievement became the first of his Twelve Labours and established Hercules as one of the most enduring symbols of courage, strength and triumph over seemingly impossible challenges.
A fascinating connection to Roman theatre:
Theatre and public entertainment occupied an important place in Roman society. Mythological narratives, heroic struggles and legendary figures formed an essential part of the cultural imagination of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Small terracotta tesserae are documented among the admission tokens used for theatrical performances in Roman antiquity. Their inexpensive material made them particularly suitable for production in considerable quantities, allowing access to public performances and other organised events to be regulated.
The dramatic imagery of Hercules confronting the Nemean Lion would have been especially appropriate within this cultural environment, where audiences were familiar with the legendary adventures of the ancient hero.
Remarkable miniature craftsmanship:
Measuring only 11.7 mm across and weighing a mere 0.6 grams, this tiny terracotta object offers a fascinating example of ancient miniature relief decoration.
The surviving raised design, reddish terracotta fabric and characteristic ancient surface deposits contribute to its appealing archaeological appearance. The reverse preserves a distinctive arrangement of impressed linear markings, adding further visual interest to the piece.
Its exceptionally compact format and mythological subject make it a particularly engaging object for collectors of Roman antiquities, ancient theatre memorabilia and representations of Hercules.
A remarkable survivor from the cultural world of Roman antiquity, bringing together classical mythology, ancient entertainment and miniature craftsmanship in a single evocative artefact.
A very rare and captivating collector's piece.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–3rd century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Theatre Ticket Depicting Hercules Fighting the Nemean Lion
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
