LOT 0181

Roman Silver Miniature Herm

1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.

2 in. (27 grams, 52 mm).

Comprising a square-section tapering body with lateral stub arms; head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) above with applied twisted gold collar, low-relief shoulder panels, genitals modelled in the round, low-relief horned figure below.

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection since the late 1990s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12103-218207.

Cf. similar figure of earlier date in the British Museum under accession no.1912,1125.13.

This object, was likely votive and perhaps belonged to a small domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, reproduced in miniature size a Hermaic pillar. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travellers when travelling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented.