Marble head from a herm

probably late 5th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 156
The flat area at the back of the neck and the coarse, grooved treatment of the hair reveal this to be a herm head, the terminal of a rectangular pillar. Like most herms, it probably represents Hermes, guardian of roads and doorways.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble head from a herm
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: probably late 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: H.: 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1959
  • Object Number: 59.11.24
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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