Roman Empire, Bronze Statuette Of Mercury

Bronze Statuette of Mercury
Roman Empire, 1st-2nd Century CE  

Patinated bronze  
H. 6.5 cm  
H. with base: 12.7 cm  

Provenance:
Former French collection  

Mercury, the god of commerce, travelers, and messengers, is depicted standing, dressed in a chlamys (a short cloak), in a classical and balanced pose. He wears a petasos (a wide-brimmed hat adorned with wings) on his head, holds a caduceus (a staff entwined with two serpents) in his left hand, and carries a purse in his right hand, symbolizing his role in trade and commerce.  

Mercury, the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Hermes, was one of the most popular deities of the Roman Empire. Associated with communication and wealth, he was venerated by merchants, travelers, and even thieves. This statuette reflects the importance of the god in the daily lives of the Romans and demonstrates their skill in miniaturizing artistic forms for personal or sacred purposes.  

Such statuettes were often offered as ex-votos in sanctuaries dedicated to Mercury or used as devotional objects in private settings. This example stands out for the quality of its casting. It is mounted on a 19th-century red marble base, which features an old collection label affixed to it.