A ROMAN BRONZE MERCURY FIGURE

Circa 100 – 200 AD Finely detailed figure showing the god Mercury (Hermes in Greek mythology), wearing a winged cap which identifies him as the messenger of the Gods. He is wearing a cloak which covers his left arm and hand which is holding a herald’s staff, or caduceus. Figurines depicting deities such as this were usually used as votive offerings brought to temples or kept at more intimate home shrines for private worship.Size: L:82mm / W:55mm ; 65gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.