The Herms

Currently not on view

The Herms

1536

Agostino Veneziano (Italian, 1490–1540) After Antique Sculpture

Herms, sculpted figures composed of a human head and shoulder, or head and torso above a plain shaft, derive their name from Hermes, the ancient Greek god of fertility and a harbinger of luck. In antiquity, herms served as wayside shrines. Unlike their Ancient Greek counterparts, these Renaissance herms are clothed and have inventive bases either made of wood or covered with a scalelike material.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

The Herms
Plate 12 from Hermae (Herms)

Date:

1536

Artists:

Agostino Veneziano (Italian, 1490–1540) After Antique Sculpture

Medium:

Engraving

Dimensions:

Sheet: 8 1/16 x 4 11/16 inches (20.4 x 11.9 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

The Muriel and Philip Berman Gift, acquired from the John S. Phillips bequest of 1876 to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, with funds contributed by Muriel and Philip Berman, gifts (by exchange) of Lisa Norris Elkins, Bryant W. Langston, Samuel S. White 3rd and Vera White, with additional funds contributed by John Howard McFadden, Jr., Thomas Skelton Harrison, and the Philip H. and A.S.W. Rosenbach Foundation, 1985

Accession Number:

1985-52-1150

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Currently not on view