Antique Italian "Grand Tour" Small Bronze Resting Hermes Sculpture ca 1820-1920s

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Seller: fab-antiques*vintage ✉️ (181) 100%, Location: Tularosa, New Mexico, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 176223370238 Antique Italian "Grand Tour" Small Bronze Resting Hermes Sculpture ca 1820-1920s.

Antique Italian "Grand Tour" Small Bronze Hermes Resting on a Boulder, Probably Naples, c.1820-1920's

This small bronze is of the type that would have been acquired by visitors to Italy on the Grand Tour of the ancient Roman ruins, monuments and works of art, notably Roman sculptures, held by Italian museums. The Grand Tour was considered to be compulsory to a classical education for the wealthy elites of Europe and America. It was stimulated by the discovery of the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 1758-59 which had been buried in volcanic ash in 79 AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The effects of this fascination with ancient Roman and Greek art and architecture were far reaching and revolutionized architecture and the arts throughout Western Civilization.

This piece was probably made in Naples by one of the many studio foundries that produced these mementos for Grand Tour travelers in a wide range of sizes throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century. This small bronze of Hermes, the messenger deity of ancient Greece who evolved into the Roman equivalent, Mercury, is based on a large bronze excavated at Herculaneum in 1759. In turn, the large excavated bronze, now at the National Museum of Naples, is a Roman copy of a 4th-2nd century BC Greek sculpture by Lysippos. Apparently this model was quite popular as a contemplative ornament favored for gardens on wealthy estates at Pompeii and Herculaneum before the volcanic eruption according to contemporary accounts by Roman historians.

This excellent example is a well cast and detailed depiction of Hermes, with his winged ankles, resting on a rock outcropping. It is displayed on an antique rectangular base of colorful granite, which is included with the piece.

Condition: Very good with no repairs or damage, and the patina is original and undisturbed. There is a small area under the base that shows evidence of being ground shallowly, possibly during the removal of a threaded iron rod for attachment to a former stone base (see photos). The polished stone base is also in very good condition with a few minor chips on the edges of one of the shorter sides.

Dimensions: Bronze: 3-15/16" tall x 2-1/4" wide x 3-5/8" deep (front to back): Stone Base: 3" x 5-11/16" x 13/16" thick: Weight: Bronze: 15.24 oz., Base: 21.04 oz. Total: ~2.25 lbs.

  • Condition: Used
  • Condition: Very good. The patina is original and undisturbed. There is a small area under the base that shows evidence of being ground shallowly, possibly during the removal of a threaded iron rod for attachment to a former stone base (see photo). The polished stone base is also in very good condition with a few minor chips on the edges of one of the shorter sides.
  • Features: Limited Edition
  • Region of Origin: Prob. Naples, Italy
  • Format: Statue
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Item Width: 3-5/8 in
  • Title: Small Bronze Resting Hermes
  • Production Technique: Bronze Casting
  • Unit Type: Unit
  • Item Length: 2-1/4 in
  • Item Height: 4 in
  • Subject: Hermes
  • Size: Small
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy
  • Material: Bronze
  • Period: Victorian (1830-1900)
  • Time Period Produced: Victorian
  • Year of Production: 1820-1920s
  • Unit Quantity: 1
  • Style: Classical sculture
  • Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
  • Unit of Sale: Set
  • Theme: Mythological
  • Type: Sculpture

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