Hermes - Marble Bust 28cm

This extraordinary bust in Carrara marble of Hermes reproduces the famous Greek statue from 330 BC, now housed at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

The work depicts the ancient Greek god Hermes, known as the messenger of the gods and protector of travelers, merchants, and athletes.

Hermes, corresponding to the Roman Mercury, embodied the spirit of passage and crossing. The Greeks believed that the god manifested in every form of exchange, transfer, change, or passage from one place or state to another. This explains his connection to the changes of human fate and why he was one of the few deities allowed to frequent the Underworld.

Features

Material: reconstituted Carrara marble
Finish: hand-patinated
Base: marble
Dimensions: 28 x 20 x 13 cm
Weight: 3.220 kg
Production: made in Italy

Since this is a hand-worked and finished material, the product may show slight differences compared to the images.

The original work

Pausanias, a writer and geographer of the 2nd century AD, accurately described the original statue. Thanks to his testimony, the work has traditionally been attributed to Praxiteles, a great Greek sculptor of the 4th century BC.

In the work, the god Hermes supports with his left arm the small Dionysus, who seems to reach toward a bunch of grapes that Hermes probably held in his right hand.

The myth tells that Zeus ordered the young god to carry the newborn Dionysus, miraculously born from the thigh of the father of the gods, to the mythical land of Nysa. There he would be entrusted to the Nymphs, who would raise him away from Hera’s jealousy.

“This is the only original sculpture from antiquity that can be certainly attributed to Praxiteles, an artist who expressed his particular talent in a way unmatched by others. In this work, the realistic tendencies of the time, such as the texture of the hanging fabric that makes it look real, merge with the introspective idealism that pervades the figure of the god, giving it unsurpassed charm.”

Photin N. Zaphiropolous

Historical curiosities

Hermes is one of the most versatile deities in Greek mythology. He was worshiped as the messenger of the gods thanks to his speed and ability to move quickly between the divine and human worlds. For this reason, he was also considered the god of boundaries, travel, commerce, and communication.

Hermes was also associated with the role of psychopomp, that is, the guide of the souls of the dead to the afterlife. This role made him a key figure in funerary rites and beliefs of ancient Greece, where he was seen as a mediator between the world of the living and that of the dead.

Maintenance

To keep the Hermes marble bust in perfect condition, it is recommended to clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth.

Avoid using harsh chemical detergents that could damage the marble surface. If necessary, use a solution of lukewarm water and neutral soap, drying immediately with a clean cloth to prevent the formation of stains.