In this gallery, Hermes, the quick-witted god of trade, sports, literature, inventions and trade will be presented, as well as Mercury, which was his Roman name. This deity will be represented in sculpture, painting and through the use of some other materials. Gallery created by: Luu P Nguyen
Herm of Hermes, the second half of 1st century.
This is the herm of Hermes, which means that his head is carved in marble, and his genitalia was added in the lower part as well. The significance was to bring luck. People would touch the genitalia for luck. This is a Roman copy that is originally made by Alkamenes, a sculptor from Greece. The sculpture is religious, and it is the representation of mythology. He was supposed to bring luck. The beard is from the Archaic period. The sculpture is religious and is originally placed at the beginning of the Akropolis in Athens. In Roman time, this sculpture stopped representing religious meaning and was used as a garden decoration.
Fragmentary statue of Hermes with ram, Roman copy by a oeuvre of the first century bC, From the collection of: Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco
This Hermes represents Christ, who carries as lamb and walks with sheep. It was originally named Kriophoros. This is a so-called "good shepherd" who is common among the burial places in Rome. In this case, there is the influence of religion on mythology. Hermes looks benevolent in this sculpture, and he is protecting the ram. His athleticism is represented in this artwork. Mythology and religion are interconnected in this sculpture.
Mercury, Argus & Io, Artus Quellinus, 1655, From the collection of: Royal Palace Amsterdam
Mercury is the Roman equivalent of Hermes. This marble sculpture depicts a story where Argus was guarding Io, who was turned into a cow. She was a daughter of a god of the river. Mercury is sitting on the opposite side of the two of them. The theme here is a myth where Jupiter wanted Io for his mistress, but Juno found out. In the end, Mercury who was a great orator managed to save Io.
Mercury, Cristofano Gherardi called il Doceno, 1555/1557, From the collection of: Palazzo Vecchio Museum
This painting is fresco painting. It represents Mercury with his winged helmet holding a caduceus. His body is strong and muscular. His pose is showing self-confidence and power. At the same time, he is relaxed and has no worries as the protector of trade. The theme here is mythology, and it is a representation of Mercury.
Mercury, Artus Quellinus, 1650 - 1654, From the collection of: Royal Palace Amsterdam
This marble sculpture represents Mercury in a careless pose. He is in the company of a goat and a rooster. Hi had a tunic and a hat with wings; his posture is straight. Mercury's muscular legs are crossed in a nonchalant way. He is holding a caduceus and a purse, which symbolizes trade. With caduceus, he can make anyone fall asleep.
Mercury and Psyche, Caspar Gras, 1630–1640, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Psyche was blessed with immortality and Mercury is taking her to Olympus so that she can marry Cupid. This theme was popular during Mannerism. These two sculptures are entwined and made in bronze. They were made separately and the joint together. They seem to be very light. They are in movement, and the theme is Mercury's influence on the gods as their messenger.
Venus and Mercury, Poussin, Nicolas, c.1627-29, From the collection of: Dulwich Picture Gallery
The painting technique is oil on canvas. It was painted by Nicolas Poussin. Venus and Mercury are watching two gods of love wrestle, Eros, who represents spiritual love and Anteros, who represents sexual love. Spirituality is winning here as Mercury is holding his caduceus and his musical instruments. Both of them are naked but decently covered and depicted. Their bodies are massive and awe-striking.
This bronze sculpture depicts athletic and muscular Mercury ready to run fast with his sandals with wings. His hat also has wings. He is the real messenger here because he is physically prepared. He is also holding caduceus that serves his talking skills. Mercury is standing tall with weight on his right leg (contrapposto).
Mercury Entrusting the Infant Bacchus to the Nymphs of Nysa, François Boucher (French, b.1703, d.1770), 1734, From the collection of: Cincinnati Art Museum
Mercury Entrusting the Infant Bacchus to the Nymphs of Nysa 1734
Jupiter had a son with another woman, not Juno and she was angry. Mercury was given the task to hide the child, which he did when giving him to the nymphs to take care of him. Mercury is almost flying in this painting carrying his caduceus and wearing his winged hat, covered with a tunic.
This statuette was made of bronze with copper and silver. Mercury is naked in this representation. He is holding a purse with money in his hand. His body is athletic and muscular, and he is wearing his winged hat. The representation of Mercury here is as the protector of trade and wealth.
Credits: All media
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