1st-3rd century A.D. Comprising a square-section tapering body with lateral stub arms; head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) above with applied twisted gold collar, low-relief shoulder panels, genitals modelled in the round, low-relief horned figure below. Cf. similar figure of earlier date in the British Museum under accession no.1912,1125.13. 27 grams, 52 mm (2 in.).

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12103-218207.

This object, which was very probably votive and perhaps belonged to a small domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, reproduces a Hermaic pillar in miniature size. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travellers when traveling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented. (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)