Hermes

Summary

The herm is made of Pentelic marble. It is intact except for the nose, the tip of the beard and the top of the cap. Traces of red paint can be observed with the naked eye under the lower lip.

The herm was cleaned and washed in 1955.

Description of object

The shape of the bust indicates that this is a herm, and the pointed hat with the brim turned up at the back characterises the figure as Hermes. The nose, the tip of the beard and the top of the cap have been broken off. The front edge of the cap and the fringe were made separately and attached with four bronze dowels, two of which are still in place. The carving on the back is devoid of detail.

Choice of methods

Visual examination

• Macroscopic

Marble identification method

• Naked eye

Bibliography

F. Poulsen (1951), Catalogue of Ancient Sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. no. 25.

M. Moltesen (2005), Catalogue. Imperial Rome III. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Copenhagen, cat. no. 196.