Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A wonderful silver herm statuette featuring the head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) atop a cuboid pillar with one tang preserved on the right and relief male genitalia. Size: 0.2" L x 0.4" W x 1.1" H (0.5 cm x 1 cm x 2.8 cm); 2.75" H (7 cm) on included custom stand; silver quality: 97%; 5.6 grams

This object, which was very probably votive and perhaps belonged to a domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, is after a Hermaic pillar in miniature size. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travelers when traveling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented.

Cf. British Museum, 1912,1125.13.

Provenance: ex-Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., Chicago, Illinois; ex-private Estate collection, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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#187138

  • Condition: Missing phallus and proper left prong. Surface wear with abrasions as shown. Liberal remaining detail and light patina throughout.

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July 9, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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