Antiquités d'Herculanum, Tome IV. Bronzes

This volume brings together a carefully selected series of engraved plates that illustrate the bronze treasures unearthed at Herculaneum. Accompanied by insightful commentary, the work follows the classification used by the Academy of Herculaneum, grouping the pieces into bas‑reliefs, busts and statues. It offers listeners a clear view of how ancient artisans mastered the art of casting, revealing both the technical skill and the aesthetic subtlety of these rare objects.

Among the most striking images is a silver‑shield relief portraying the dramatic death of Cleopatra, complete with symbolic details such as a fallen fig basket and a tiny statue of Venus. Another plate shows a satyr with a lyre making an offering before a hermes‑like figure, hinting at the intertwining of myth and ritual in Roman worship. Through these vivid descriptions, the book invites an appreciation of the cultural and religious nuances that the bronzes embody, making it a rewarding listen for anyone fascinated by classical art and archaeology.