Lot 156
Provenance:
The Merrin Gallery, New York. [Inv. no. 2607]
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 6 August 1998.
This bronze statuette with silver inlay depicts Hermes, the messenger god, in mid-stride. Most likely inspired by the renowned Hermes and the Infant Dionysus by Praxiteles, this statuette portrays Hermes in a leap, his contrapposto suggesting a coiled spring in mid-release. The noteworthy details include a meticulously rendered money bag, seamlessly integrated into his right arm, symbolizing Hermes' association with trade. The absence of his customary petasos (winged hat) and talaria (winged sandals), replaced by subtle wings emerging from his curly locks (now lost), adds an intriguing layer to his portrayal, evoking his divine capability to navigate the air.
Despite the implied airy lightness, the statuette captures Hermes in a deliberate moment, clutching a money bag in his barely outstretched hand. The lingering gaze, accentuated by silver inlays, exudes the deceptive nature for which Hermes is known. A relic of the expansive Hellenistic trade network, this bronze work not only showcases exquisite craftsmanship but also encapsulates the era's nuanced philosophical artistry, making it a rare and significant addition to the world of ancient art.