Roman bronze Mercury / Spanish export license - 9 cm

Superb Roman bronze God Mercury, one of the most prominent deities in the Roman pantheon, associated with trade, travel and communication. Measuring 9 cm high, 4.5 cm wide and 2.7 cm deep, the sculpture shows the god in a classical posture: standing, naked, with a cloak draped over one of his shoulders and carrying attributes associated with his iconography. On his head, we can see the characteristic wings of the petasos, a symbol of speed and divine connection. The work, dated to the 1st century AD, belongs to the period of the High Roman Empire, a time when art was used both for private decoration and for religious expressions in domestic spaces or temples. Mercury, as a symbolic figure, was especially venerated by merchants and travellers, so representations of this type often occupied a prominent place on personal altars. The bronze has a greenish patina resulting from natural oxidation, which gives the piece a texture and tone that underline its age. The anatomical details, though simplified, reveal a deep understanding of human proportions and movement, reflecting the technical mastery of Roman craftsmen. This figure not only stands out for its artistic value, but also for encapsulating Mercury's relevance as an intermediary between mortals and gods, as well as a protector of those in constant motion. Acquired from a Spanish private collection, M.R.G in the 70's. -The piece includes an authenticity certificate as well as Spanish export license (Passport for European Union). IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA. For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %. Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.

Estimate:$4,930.02

View all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art