Roman Marble Hand of Hermes with Purse

Roman Marble Hand of Hermes with Purse, ca. 1st-2nd Century AD. This finely carved marble fragment depicts a human hand, broken at the wrist, grasping a purse or moneybag. Such an attribute is commonly associated with the Greek god Hermes and his Roman counterpart Mercury, both of whom were regarded as patrons of merchants and commerce, presiding over trade and prosperity. The surface displays a light tan patina with scattered areas of encrustation, consistent with age and burial. Ex: Private French collection. Ex: Private New York collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Buy or Bid Sale 206, 15 November 2018, lot 494. H. 2" W. 2 1/2" (5 cm x 6.4 cm)..