Hermes - the Messenger God - Statuette - Ancient Greek Mythology

Resin bust of the ancient Greek god Hermes.

This remarkable piece draws inspiration from a marble statue of a young nude male discovered at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli. Acquired by Pope Clement XII in 1733, the statue became a prominent exhibit at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, where it remains a centerpiece to this day. Initially believed to depict Hadrian’s beloved Antinous, modern scholarship suggests the statue is a Roman Imperial era copy of a 4th-century BC Greek statue of Hermes.

Hermes, one of the Olympian gods, is a figure rich with symbolism and mythology. As the son of Zeus and Maia and the half-brother of Apollo and Artemis, Hermes occupied an important place in Greek mythology. He was revered as the messenger of the gods, bridging the divine and mortal worlds. Beyond his role as a messenger, Hermes was also the god of herds, music, and travelers, and he played a crucial role in guiding souls to the underworld. This task involved leading the dead across the river Styx on Charon’s boat to Hades, emphasizing his role as a guide and protector in the afterlife.

In artistic representations, Hermes is often depicted with specific attributes that symbolize his diverse functions. He typically carries a caduceus staff, a winged staff entwined with two serpents, which has become a symbol of commerce and negotiation. Additionally, he is shown wearing a petasos, a wide-brimmed traveler’s hat, and talaria, winged sandals that grant him the ability to move swiftly between the worlds of gods and men.

The statue from Hadrian’s Villa captures the essence of Hermes’ youthful and athletic form, embodying the idealized beauty and dynamism of Greek sculpture. Its enduring presence in the Capitoline Museums serves as a testament to the lasting legacy of classical art and mythology, continuing to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.

This exquisite bust will make a majestic addition to any home.