Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Rome, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A superb leaded bronze statuette of the messenger god Mercury (Greek Hermes) atop an integral plinth - cast with a very complete delineation of his mythological attributes. He stands in the nude displaying a contrapposto pose, holding a purse full of money in his right hand, and his herald's staff or caduceus in his left hand. As messenger of the gods he wears wings at the side of his cap or petasus. Due to his activities as messenger and guide, Mercury was a traveler who was never at rest. Note the drapery folds of his traveler’s cloak, a chlamys, hanging over his left forearm. Finally, a small creature sits by his right foot - perhaps a ram, one of the animals traditionally associated with Mercury. A truly exceptional example with rich green patina! Size: 0.5" W x 1.625" H (1.3 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#158809

  • Condition: Expected surface wear with some abrasions and softening of detail commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.

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May 27, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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