Gallo-Roman Mercury Statuette

1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.

2 1/4 in. (43 grams, 59 mm).

A bronze votive figure of Mercury modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist.

Provenance

Acquired 1970s.
Ex UK collection.
Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.

Literature

See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 90; Boucher, S., Recherches sur les bronzes figures de Gaule pre-romaine et romaine, 1976, pl.35, no.163, for comparable examples.

Footnotes

Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows.

CONDITION

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LOT 0662