Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An impressed silver plaque depicting the god Mercury (Hermes to the Greeks) standing in low relief inside a narrow border. The edges of the plaque have been pierced in multiple places for attachment. Mercury stands, holding a Caduceus, his symbol, with his cloak flung over one shoulder. In his other hand, he holds a small bag, perhaps one full of coins. He was the god of commerce, poetry, and travelers, known to guide Roman souls to the underworld. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3.8" W x 2.25" H (9.7 cm x 5.7 cm); height on stand: 3.05" (7.7 cm).

Votives made of thin sheets of silver, often cut or impressed into the shapes of leaves or feathers (although this one appears to have been rectangular), have been found in many different areas of the Roman Empire. Romans pinned them to the walls in temples or shrines dedicated to the deities depicted upon them.

See a similar example dedicated to Pluto at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1981.61).

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121324

Plaque has lost edges, as shown, but aside from the top of the head and the feet, the figure remains with clear detail. Some patina/tarnish on surface.