Description:

Roman Empire, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A solid cast bronze herm of a male figure with an elaborately styled headdress and plaited coiffure, subtly delineated facial features, and rounded shoulders. Lustrous, green patina. White marble square mount. Size: 2.5" H (6.4 cm); 3.875" H (9.8 cm) on stand

Herm or herma are sculptures with a head, and sometimes a torso with 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.

Provenance: Ex-Sieling collection, Virginia

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#119930

  • Condition: A large fragment as shown. Scratch across the right temple. Otherwise surface has aged quite gracefully, gorgeous green patina.

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May 30, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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