Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A beautiful cast-bronze figurine of the god Mercury (Greek Hermes), the messenger of the gods. He wears his distinctive winged petalus as he stands, and his chlamys is draped over his left shoulder and forearm. Mercury, the god of commerce, poetry, and travelers, was believed to guide Roman souls to the underworld. This figurine would perhaps have been a votive figure made to be kept in a wealthy home and prayed to, deposited in a temple as an offering, or kept by priests for ritual purposes with other metallic objects. Size: 1" W x 2.4" H (2.5 cm x 6.1 cm); 3.4" H (8.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-estate of Roy Green, Birmingham, Alabama acquired before 2015 from major New York galleries

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping..

#148695

Minor losses to areas of feet and both hands as shown. Light abrasions to limbs, body, and head, with softening to some finer details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits as well as fabulous green and brown patina throughout.