Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury

Modelled in the round standing erect with right hand on his hip and left arm extending from the elbow resting on the left hip and with fingers curled to hold a staff or handle, wearing a loosely draped cloth over the left shoulder and drawn around the body to hang over the arms; ribbed cuffs to the boots; youthful face with tousled hair and slightly exaggerated lentoid eyes; C-shaped staple beneath the feet for attachment; supplied with a custom-made display stand. 506 grams total, 18.7 cm including stand



with Sotheby’s, Antiquities, London, 6 July 1995, no.130. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12194-222321.

The statue was probably a cult offering and presents an archaic Etruscan hairstyle, being part of the Italic statuettes produced as votive offering to the temples or for private lararia. His warrior status can be confirmed by his boots, typical of Etruscan and Latin warriors of archaic times.

With ellipsoid bezel, low-relief figure of a regardant lion with tail raised and foreleg extended. 3.23 grams, 23.62 mm overall, 19.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

Including a D-section hoop with ropework detailing, flat-section band with median gusset, penannular hoop and other types. 44 grams total, 46-72 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.