Description:

Roman, Imperial, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A gorgeous sardonyx cameo depicting Mercury (Greek Hermes) the youthful god of commerce, replete with several of his traditional attributes, in bas relief. Atop Mercury's profiled visage is his winged petasus helmet. As messenger and guide to souls of the underworld, Mercury was a traveler who was never at rest; given this he is seen here wearing a chlamys, a long, traveler’s cloak, wth finely delineated drapery folds. He also holds a herald’s staff, or caduceus, with two entwined snakes at the top, in his hands. In addition to the impressive artistry and technique displayed on this piece, the sardonyx is inherently stunning with bands of russet red, caramel beige, white, and chocolate brown hues. Size: 0.8" W x 1.1" H (2 cm x 2.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, collected in the 1960s

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#134768

  • Condition: Small chip from upper end as shown; otherwise in fine condition with very light scratching. Carved image is beautifully preserved.

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July 1, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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