A RARE SCHIST GRECO-GANDHARAN STATUE OF HERMES

Circa 200-300 AD
A rare, polished schist statue of Hermes holding either a sheep or goat by the legs behind his head using his right hand, his left is hand holding a caduceus. Hermes is depicted with long curly hair, beard and moustache, his eyebrows decorated with a ridge, and stern incised eyes. He is bare chested, depicted naturalistic with bulbous stomach. His feet are decorated to a high standard with incised decoration between the toes. As a symbolic object, it represents Hermes, and by extension trades, occupations or undertakings associated with the god.
Size: L:720mm / W:520mm ; 82kg
Provenance: Private UK collection; acquired from a North London Art gallery ; previously acquired on the UK/European art markets in the 1980s-90s.
Estimate: GBP 4000 - 6000