Mercurius Arvernus

The god Mercury is in fine shape - the Romans loved looking at well-trained male bodies. He usually wears a winged helmet, indicating his speed when he delivers messages for the gods. Exquisitly carfted, with silver eyes and nipples, this is an expensive statuette. It must have been brought north by a high-ranking officer from Italy. That would suit Mercury's role as the patron of travellers and merchants. In the Low Countries he was known as Arvernus. Bronze, made in Italy, found at Carvium, a fort (castellum) neer Lobith, the Netherlands, ca. 2nd century AD. Inventory number: 8169 Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab