Description:

Roman Empire, ca. 100 to 300 CE. This is a bronze herm of a man with long, looping hair done in an elaborate style; his only other decoration is his genitals. The stand he is on is in the form of a cross and the bottom of the herm is deliberately split, giving it the shape of a clothespin. 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: .5" L x 1.25" W x 3.75" H (1.3 cm x 3.2 cm x 9.5 cm)

Provenance: Ex: H. Berk collection, Chicago, IL

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#110322

  • Condition: Patina and some caked dirt, but intact and with clear artwork.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000