Marble Bust of Hermes (Mercury)

Italy (Grand Tour reproduction), 19th century

Carved Carrara marble

H 65 cm (including socle); Shoulder W 40 cm; Depth 40 cm

A 19th-century marble bust showing Hermes with winged petasos (traveler's cap). The face shows idealized features: smooth skin, parted lips, straight nose, and carved pupils indicating gaze direction. Hair rendered in deeply carved curls falling to shoulder-length. The bust terminates at mid-chest with draped himation (cloak) across left shoulder. Winged petasos carved with individual feather details spanning 54 cm. The Carrara marble shows fine grain with minimal veining, polished to smooth matte finish. Mounted on modern black plinth (not original).

STYLE & PROVENANCE

Grand Tour sculptors in Rome produced marble busts of Greek gods for wealthy European travelers throughout the 19th century. This bust follows the "teste ideali" (ideal heads) tradition, adapting Hellenistic prototypes of Hermes rather than copying specific ancient sculptures. The carving style—smooth neoclassical finish, detailed hair curls, anatomically idealized features—is characteristic of Roman workshops serving the Grand Tour market (c. 1820–1880). The winged cap and youthful face identify the subject as Hermes/Mercury in his role as divine messenger.

COMPARABLE SALES

Christie's London (7 Dec 2022, lot 112): 19th-century Italian marble Hermes bust, H 62 cm, £85,000

Metropolitan Museum (acc. no. 2003.407.2): similar Grand Tour bust with winged cap

Estimated Value: $25,000–$45,000 USD