Name:	Head of Herakles
Picture:
Description:	From metope 3 over the West Porch of the Temple of Zeus, Olympia. Olympia Museum. H. 0.22m. Head of Herakles from the metope series of the Twelve Labours. This is the tale of the Stymphalian Birds. Herakles' face is over-heavy in the jaw beneath cheekbones that are incorrectly positioned. Almond eyes beneath heavy brows, a straight nose and parted lips; the teeth can be glimpsed. A small ear to the right of the head; the left is hidden beneath drapery.
Date:	c. 470-457 B.C.
Discussion:	In the original sculpture, Herakles stands three-quarters on, offering the Stymphalian Birds (not extant; presumably made of metal as the birds in the myth were) to Athena, who sits on a rock and looks back at the hero, one hand reaching out to accept his gift. See Robertson 1981: fig. 122, p. 82-3; Stewart 1990: 142-6, 150-1, 253-4; 277 (ill.).