A ROMAN BRONZE STATUETTE OF MERCURY, CIRCA 1ST... Lot n° 33

A bronze statuette of the god Mercury (Greek Hermes) standing nude, wreath around the head, right arm raised to accept a coin bag. Integral lug between the feet, mounted on a custom-made stand. 17.5 cm. height including stand. 408 grams CONDITION Fine condition. PROVENANCE Property of a London gentleman; acquired on the London art market in the 2000s. Mercury was the god of trade and industry, whose principal shrine in the city of Rome was at the Circus Maximus. Originally he was one of the gods of riches and profit, it was not until he was equated with the Greek god Hermes that he became the god of tradesmen and merchants. He was also the god of thieves, and was associated with healing (primarily in Gaul) where he had a number of important temples connected to sacred springs. Mercury is often modelled with a coin purse in his right hand, holding a caduceus in his left hand, while a mantle is draped from his left shoulder.