Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A solid cast bronze head of a beardless Mercurius ter Maximus (Greek Hermes Thoth or Hermes Trismegistus meaning Hermes the Thrice Greatest) who is believed to be the author of the Hermetic Corpus, sacred texts that served as the source for Hermeticism. This piece represents a syncretism of the Roman Mercury (Greek Hermes) and the Egyptian Thoth - with skillfully-delineated facial features and a wavy coiffure that is characteristically swept up from the forehead and bound in a diadem, with lotus leaves in the headdress. Near miniature in scale, perhaps this head belonged to a votive intended as an offering to the deity. Size: 1.15" W x 1.7" H (2.9 cm x 4.3 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#142236

  • Condition: Piece is a fragment from a full statue, with the neck partially lost. The face is clear, with a worn nose and well-preserved eyes and mouth. Pretty dark turquoise patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 9, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000