Marble relief of Hermes, three nymphs, and Acheloös

ca. 320–300 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 158
The relief represents Hermes escorting three nymphs and, at the back, the forepart of the river god Acheloös who is represented in the form of a bull. A mound stands for a rustic altar. The retrospective style of the relief imitates works of the Archaic period (ca. 600–480 B.C.). Numerous votive reliefs of this type, dedicated to Hermes, Pan, and the nymphs, have been found in Greece. In most of these scenes, a grotto marks the locality; this relief is unusual for its architectural frame.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble relief of Hermes, three nymphs, and Acheloös
  • Period: Hellenistic
  • Date: ca. 320–300 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Marble, Island ?
  • Dimensions: Overall: 11 1/8 x 15 1/2in. (28.2 x 39.4cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.78.59
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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