Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

4 3/4 in. (291 grams, 12.2 cm including stand).

Modelled standing nude with a mantle over his shoulders, winged petasos on his head; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Literature

Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 27, for type.

Footnotes

The many statuettes of Mercury found in France and Italy offer many variations: Mercury is sometimes entirely naked, recalling the models of the 4th century B.C., but much more often he wears a paenula or a chlamys rolled up on his left arm. His head can be uncovered, adorned with two wings or covered by the petasos.

CONDITION

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LOT 0864