After a model by Alessandro Algardi (circa 1595-1654) Probably French, mid-18th century

with two mark stamped onto the edge of the bronze

Eugène Secrétan (1836-1899), Dives-sur-Mer, France, before 1889;
his sale, Galerie Charles Sedelmeyer, Paris, 1 July 1889 

J. Montagu, Alessandro Algardi, New Haven and Yale, 1985, vol. ii, p. 408, no. 127.D.3

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some small casting flaws (short pours) to the sides of the terrasse in front of and behind the child. There are various smaller lacunae/ nicks in the terrasse. There are a few other areas of lacunae, notably to Hercules' neck on the proper right side and underneath his proper left arm. There are a few smaller lacunae in the drapery. There are casting flaws to the proper right leg (particularly the inner thigh and around the ankle), including lacunae and nicks. There is an area of fissures around the back edge of the terrasse below Hercules' buttocks and also below his feet (potentially indicating original repairs in the foundry); there are also some small fissures in the hair and at the back of the neck. There is particular dirt to the crevices and some drops of wax to the upper back. There is rubbing to the top of the head. There are several screws to the underside of the base. The base is in good condition and is cast in two sections; joints are visible at the centre of the front and back sides.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This dynamic model shows the Infant Hercules strangling the serpent sent to kill him by the jealous goddess Hera. It is attributed to Algardi by Montagu on the basis of style and the existence of casts in early inventories ascribed to Algardi. No known marble version by Algardi exists, though a signed marble by Algardi's assistant Ercole Ferrata was discovered and sold in these rooms on 9 December 1987, lot 176. The present bronze is identified as that from the famous collection of Eugène Secrétan, the French industrialist and major donor of the Statue of Liberty in New York. As Montagu notes in her seminal work on Algardi, the present cast differs from other bronze versions in the snake's canine head and the 'doughy ground' (op. cit., p. 408).