Uncovering the Gilded Glory of a Lightning-Struck Hercules Statue in the Vatican.

Vatican Museum restorers are removing centuries of grime from the largest known bronze statue of the ancient world, the gilded Hercules Mastai Righetti, which was struck by lightning and buried in a marble shrine according to Roman rites. The original gilding is exceptionally well-preserved, and the statue is one of the most significant gilded statues of its time. The restoration is expected to be finished in December, and museum-goers will be able to see its grandeur for themselves.