Roman Terracotta Bottle

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. 27 grams, 52 mm



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.

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 traveling. 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.

Modelled in the round, the god standing nude and wearing the winged petasos and holing the marsupium coin-purse in his right hand; left hand modelled with thumb and forefinger closed to grip the now absent caduceus; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 91 grams, 98 mm including stand



Found Wiltshire, UK, before 1974. Accompanied by a copy of an article titled A Figurine of Mercury from Brixton Deverill, by Martin Henig.

Mercury is often shown wearing a chlamys but the present figure is one of a known group which features his nude form. The modelling is of good quality.

Mask of Silenus modelled in the half-round with curly hair and luxuriant beard; hollow to the reverse. 31.5 grams, 36 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.