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Ancient Roman Marble Dionysiac Herm Bust

$18,000
£13,719.91
€15,824.48
CA$25,565.38
A$27,472.69
CHF 14,740.69
MX$323,611.52
NOK 185,347.87
SEK 169,314.08
DKK 118,265.94

About the Item

A lively and enchanting depiction, this exquisitely rendered flat-backed Herm bust depicts the Roman Bacchus (Dionysus to the Greeks). The youthful god of wine is shown with prominent features, his wavy hair bound in a garland, and ribbons that hang down behind his ears draping over his shoulders. His oval face features a pronounced rounded chin with high fleshy cheek bones, a distinguished brow, and a straight nose. In combination with the recessed heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes and parted lips evoking a slightly mischievous grin, these features work masterfully in concert to portray a mystical, mysterious, and enigmatic primal energy. The marble is of a sumptuous creme and tanned patina, with beautiful veining and rich color throughout. Notes Herms performed an apotropaic function in Classical Greece, and were usually placed at physical boundaries such as crossroads, or doorways, as well as in gymnasia, near tombs, and in the agora. By the Roman period, they served largely a decorative purpose, and the herm evolved from being surmounted exclusively with the head of Hermes, to being topped by either janiform or singular busts of other gods, mythical heroes and historical portraits. Provenance European private collection, circa 18th Century (based on restoration techniques and Carrara marble plinths). American private collection, acquired in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Gallerie Chenel, Paris. Antiquities Sotheby's, London, August 12, 2016. Private Collection, Beverly Hills California.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.75 in (34.93 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
  • Style:
    Classical Roman (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Marble,Carved
  • Place of Origin:
    Italy
  • Period:
    15th Century and Earlier
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1st Century AD to 2nd Century AD
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Intact as preserved with possible restoration or encrustation to the tip of the nose. Moderate chips, cracks, and abrasions throughout. Loss to some tendrils in hair. High gloss surface with light encrustation and slightly beige patina. 1.
  • Seller Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: HQ.00401stDibs: LU10743247979972

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