A ROMAN MARBLE TORSO OF MERCURY

This athletic torso can be identified as the Roman messenger god Mercury (known as Hermes in the Greek tradition). The slim musculature and slight contrapposto pose are frequently seen in marble sculptures of the god, as are the cloak slung over his left shoulder and centered by a brooch. For similar examples, see G. Seibert “Hermes” LIMC, vol. V. nos. 946d, 948a, and 950a-c.