A ROMAN ROSSO ANTICO MARBLE HERM HEAD OF HERMES, 1ST/2ND CENTURY A.D. | A Roman Rosso Antico Marble Herm Head of Hermes

probably from a herm pillar, with luxuriant unruly beard, his hair radiating from the crown, bound in a fillet, arranged in three rows of circular curls above the forehead, and falling in long corkscrew curls over the shoulders and in a broad mass of finely incised voluted curls over the nape of the neck, a circular hole on top of the head; no restorations.

Paris art market, prior to 1951 (based on custom-made wood base bearing the stamp of Kichizô Inagaki, 1876-1951)
Hans Tollmann, Cologne (Gorny & Mosch, Munich, November 2004, no. 461, illus.)
Royal-Athena Galleries, New York
North Carolina private collection, acquired from the above in February 2005
Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, inv. no. ER1506C
acquired from the above by the present owner

As shown. Note missing nose and lower part of beard. Abrasions to beard, mouth, moustache, forehead, locks over forehead, and proper left earlobe. Shallow chip on proper back right side of head, including headband. Hole on top of head appears to be ancient, perhaps for insertion of a headdress.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. type F of Curtius’ typology of bearded herm-heads: L. Curtius, Zeus und Hermes, (1. Ergh. RM), 1931, p. 71, pl. 21. For herm busts made of coloured stones see H. Gregarek, Kölner Jahrbuch, vol. 32, 1999, p. 105f.