Figurine of Hermes
Figurine of Hermes
Datelate 1st century BCE-early 1st century CE
Mediumbronze
Dimensionsobject: 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 2 in. (16.5 x 8.3 x 5.1 cm)
base: 1 1/4 x 2 x 2 1/8 in. (3.2 x 5.1 x 5.4 cm)
ClassificationSCULPTURE
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of Wright S. Ludington
Object number1981.64.19
Subject(s)
- mythology
- deity
- men
- nudes
Collection
- Antiquity
Sub-Collection(s)
- Roman
On View
Not on viewCollections
Label TextThis bronze statuette depicts the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the Olympians and protector of travelers and merchants. He is identified by the small wings on his head, symbolizing his swift movements between the realms of deities and mortals, and the money purse he carries in his right hand. In his left hand he would have most likely carried a caduceus or herald’s staff, now lost. This figure is a Roman work based on an earlier statue type made famous by the ancient Greek sculptor Lysippos and exemplifies the Roman interest in emulating and collecting Greek sculpture.
