A ROMAN BRONZE MERCURY

CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN BRONZE MERCURY
CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
The nude god standing contrapposto with his weight on his right leg, his left bent, holding a money bag in his right hand, his head turned to the right, the mouth slightly parted, his short curly hair surmounted by wings and a diadem with a fragmentary central ibis plume
8 ¼ in. (20.5 cm.) high

Provenance

with K. J. Hewett (1919-1994), London.
Agatha Sadler collection (1924-2015), London (The Sadler Collection; Sotheby's, London, 31 October 2003, lot 71).

Brought to you by

Francesca Hickin

fhickin@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3195

Lot Essay

The ibis plume atop the present lot's diadem may reference Mercury's association with the Egyptian god Thoth. The ibis-headed Egyptian god acted as Scribe to the Underworld, while the youthful Roman deity guided the souls of the deceased on their journey.

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