Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. An expertly cast leaded bronze statuette of Mercury (Greek Hermes), messenger of the gods, standing in contraposto, holding a purse in his right hand and his herald's staff (caduceus) in his left. Mercury wears his winged shoes as well as a winged cap, both signifying his role as a traveling messenger. In addition, because of his activities as a guide who was never at rest, his chlamys, a long traveler’s cloak, a chlamys, is hanging over his left forearm. A fine rendering of this beloved god! Size: 4" H (10.2 cm)
Mercury was one of the major Classical deities, the patron god of financial success and commerce, as well as eloquence and poetry. He was a trickster god, and he also acted as a psychopomp, leading souls to the underworld. Ovid wrote that Mercury also carried Morpheus's dreams from the valley of Somnus to sleeping humans. For these reasons, he came to be seen as the "keeper of boundaries," forming a bridge between the upper and lower worlds. He also fulfilled that role by acting as a messenger for the other gods. According to Caesar, he was the most popular god in Britain and Gaul, where he was syncretized with the Germanic god Wotan and considered to be the inventor of all arts.
Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
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#158411
Condition
A few minor casting flaws, particularly to the buttocks and back of chlamys. Minute old nicks to peripheries of wings on cap, feet, and hands. Otherwise intact and excellent with a gorgeous green patina.