.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The design of this magnificent wall sculpture apparently combines the masks of Medusa
and Hermes. It is reputed to be cast from an example removed from the facade of a
Chicago public building prior to demolition; its stylised nature suggests that the original
probably dated to the early years of the last century. Hermes (Mercury-Roman) is perhaps
the most easily recognisable of the twelve gods of Olympus and was said to serve as the
messenger of the gods. He was the son of Zeus and is often depicted carrying a caduceus
with two winged snakes entwined and this latter attribute has been adapted here to form
a headdress.
and Hermes. It is reputed to be cast from an example removed from the facade of a
Chicago public building prior to demolition; its stylised nature suggests that the original
probably dated to the early years of the last century. Hermes (Mercury-Roman) is perhaps
the most easily recognisable of the twelve gods of Olympus and was said to serve as the
messenger of the gods. He was the son of Zeus and is often depicted carrying a caduceus
with two winged snakes entwined and this latter attribute has been adapted here to form
a headdress.