| Collection: | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
| Title: | Hermes Kriophoros |
| Context: | From Sparta |
| Findspot: | Found at Sparta |
| Summary: | Hermes carrying a lamb |
| Object Function: | Votive |
| Material: | Bronze |
| Sculpture Type: | Free-standing statue |
| Category: | Single sculpture |
| Style: | Late Archaic |
| Technique: | Solid cast |
| Original or Copy: | Original ? |
| Date: | ca. 520 BC - ca. 500 BC |
| Dimensions: | H 0.25 m |
| Scale: | Miniature |
| Region: | Laconia |
| Period: | Late Archaic |
Subject Description:
Hermes stands in a frontal pose, with his left foot advanced. He is dressed as a shepherd, with a short tunic, belted at the waist and bound with three buttons on each shoulder. His magic wings (that enable him to fly in his aspect as the traveler/messenger god) are attached to his short leather boots. He wears a brimmed pilos (a workman's hat), under which emerge ringlets on his brow, and long tight locks (braids?), two in front of each shoulder and several on the back. He also wears a tidy mustache and beard. In his left arm (upraised) he holds a small lamb by its forelegs, while the rest of its body dangles (an element of realism).
Date Description:
Most scholars date this piece to the Archaic period. However, it has been called an archaistic work of the Roman period (because it too perfectly assimilates all the Archaic features), or even an archaistic work of the Classical period (ca. 440 B.C.) like the Hermes Propylaios of Alkamenes (
Condition: Intact
Condition Description:
Statue attached to hollow base. Missing: the wing from the right foot; the attribute, probably a kerykeion, held in the right hand. Green and brown patina on surface.
Collection History: Formerly E.P. Warren Collection. Acquired by the MFA in 1899.
Sources Used:
Other Bibliography: Mélanges Mansel (Ankara 1974) 1.626; C. Rolley, AJA 78 (1974) 99; F.K. Fall, Art Objects: Their Care and Preservation (La Jolla 1973) 142, fig. 76;