Sale 218 Lot 343

ROMAN MARBLE STATUETTE OF MERCURY WITH CADUCEUS AND RAM circa 1st–2nd Century A.D. Patinated and carved marble statuette that depicts the Roman God Mercury (the Greek counterpart Hermes), deity of commerce, communication, and travel. The attribution is confirmed by his classic iconographic attributes: a winged cap (petasos), winged sandals (talaria), a draped chlamys (cloak), and a ram standing at his right leg, symbolic of his role as protector of flocks and livestock. In his left hand, he holds the caduceus (a staff entwined by two serpents). Rendered in full-length classical contrapposto, the youth is carved from fine-grained white marble with natural warm-toned patination and veining throughout. Height (approx.): 28 inches; Wooden base: 34.75 inches
$15,000-25,000

PROVENANCE:
* Japanese Private Collection, acquired in the 1980s;
* Christie's, Antiquities Auction No. 1163, London / New York, 12 December 2002, lot 250;
* Acquired at the above sale by the present owner, a Private Collector, Virginia.