Casgliadau Arlein

All that is identifiable is a pair of crossed paws which suggests Hercules in his lion skin cloak although the examples of pipeclay statuettes of Hercules discussed by Rouvier-Jeanlin (1972, Nos 527-9) all show the legs of the cloak hanging separately on either side of the chest. The outer surface of the statuette shows a considereable quantitiy of red-brown paint on the body, rather than the paws. Rouvier-Jeanlin refers to other pipeclay figurines which have retained red or brown colouring (1972, 25). Analysis by W.A. Campbell, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, shows the underlying cream pigment is yellow ochre. The red layer is a prepared pigment of iron oxide with a small quantity of an inert material, probably gypsum, which was probably mixed in to lighten the shade although it would also modify the texture. In view of the close chemical relation between the two pigments it is surprising that there is not better adhesion between the two layers; perhaps they were applied in different vehicles (such as oil and water) which have now disappeared. Condition: fragment.