Mercury in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Mercury


Creator: Roman (Sculptor)

Period: AD 40-80 (Julio-Claudian (?); Flavian (?))

Medium: cast bronze with silver coat and inlay (Metal)

Accession Number: 54.605

Measurements: H: 11 1/2 x W: 4 5/8 x D: 2 1/4 in. (29.2 x 11.8 x 5.6 cm)

The wings (one missing) on the head of this figure identify it as representing Mercury, the messenger of the gods. It is exquisitely detailed and larger than most statuettes made for household worship, suggesting that it was prominently displayed within the villa of a wealthy Roman family. The hairstyle dates the piece to the mid 1st century, when artists were still very much influenced by the Classical style of Greek art. His left hand would have held the "caduceus," or herald's staff, that is his attribute (familiar today as a medical symbol).

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/25406/mercury/