An antique 18th-century German hand-painted porcelain figurine. The piece represents a nude baby Hercules with a snake. Marked on the bottom with Hoscht porcelain mark of a crowned cog wheel in blue ink. Hercules, or Heracles, is a divine hero of Greek mythology famous for his strength and numerous adventures. After Hercules was born, Hera sent two snakes to kill him in his crib. The infant was able to strangle the snakes before they could strangle him. Hochst, or Hoechst, porcelain was made in Germany from 1746 to 1796. It was marked with a six-spoke wheel. Hochst originally produced only faiance, but about 1753 the company began producing only porcelain. Porcelain Figurines For Collectors, Neoclassical Collectibles And Decor, Room Accents And Accessories.