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Lot Essay
Mercury was the Roman god of commerce, communication, travel, the guide for souls to the underworld, and was often associated with speed and agility. He served as the messenger of the gods, connecting the divine with the mortal and was known for his cleverness and adaptability. He was often depicted with his attributes, as seen here, of winged sandals and petasos (a traveler's hat), symbolizing his swiftness.
The youthful messenger god stands in contrapposto, resting his weight on his right leg. He wears a chlamys draped around his neck and pinned on his shoulder with a large circular brooch, his petasos and the talaria (winged boots). The remains of his caduceus entwined with snakes is visible resting on his left shoulder. For a similar full figure of Mercury wearing the chlamys, see inv. no. SK 198 in the Antikensammlung Berlin (Arachne database no. 1121760). For several interpretations of the type, see the Ludovisi Hermes and related examples, nos. 915-925 in Siebert, "Hermes" in LIMC, vol. V and nos. 6a-20 in Simon, "Mercurius" in LIMC, vol. VI.
The youthful messenger god stands in contrapposto, resting his weight on his right leg. He wears a chlamys draped around his neck and pinned on his shoulder with a large circular brooch, his petasos and the talaria (winged boots). The remains of his caduceus entwined with snakes is visible resting on his left shoulder. For a similar full figure of Mercury wearing the chlamys, see inv. no. SK 198 in the Antikensammlung Berlin (Arachne database no. 1121760). For several interpretations of the type, see the Ludovisi Hermes and related examples, nos. 915-925 in Siebert, "Hermes" in LIMC, vol. V and nos. 6a-20 in Simon, "Mercurius" in LIMC, vol. VI.