You smile as you examine this whimsical silver bowl, with gilded incised rim and a realistic carving of the infant Hercules strangling with his bare hands the two snakes sent by Juno to destroy him. You admire the skill of the craftsman who could carve even his tiny teeth (perhaps demi-gods are born with a full set of teeth?) and reflect that this plate is a celebration of strength . . . but not without humor.