Description:

Roman Empire, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A fine pottery herm, showing a beared man wearing a crown with obvious genitals. Herm or herma are sculptures with a head, sometimes a torso, and male genitals carved at the appropriate height. They are thought to derive from the ancient Greek practice of worshipping divinities that were in the form of cairns or columns of stone or wood. These later evolved into adding a head and phallus to the column. Many herma are of Hermes himself, but others -- both gods and real figures like Socrates and Plato -- are known. Statues like this one were apotropaic and kept in many places -- at crossroads, in temples, in public places, and in homes. This figure would have been protective for its owner. Size: 2.9" W x 6.75" H (7.4 cm x 17.1 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Prominent LA County collector who acquired these prior to 2000

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#116383

  • Condition: Intact aside from minor chip to base. Features very clear.

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August 25, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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