Who Sculpted Hermes?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and trade, is one of the most prominent figures in Greek mythology. He is often depicted as a youthful and athletic figure with winged sandals and a caduceus – a staff with two intertwined snakes.

But who sculpted this iconic figure? Let’s take a closer look.

The History of Hermes

Hermes was an important deity in ancient Greek religion. He was believed to be the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades. As the messenger of the gods, Hermes had many responsibilities, including guiding souls to the underworld and delivering messages between gods and mortals.

The Sculptors Who Created Hermes

There are several famous sculptures of Hermes that have been created over time by different artists. Some of the most notable include:

Praxiteles

Praxiteles was a Greek sculptor from Athens who lived in the 4th century BC. He is often credited with creating one of the most famous sculptures of Hermes – known as Hermes with the Infant Dionysus.

This sculpture depicts Hermes holding Dionysus – the god of wine – as an infant. It is said to have been created for the Temple of Hera in Olympia and is considered one of Praxiteles’ masterpieces.

Myron

Myron was another Greek sculptor who lived in Athens during the 5th century BC. He is best known for his sculpture Discobolus – or “The Discus Thrower” – which is widely regarded as one of the greatest sculptures from ancient Greece.

While Myron did not create any known sculptures specifically depicting Hermes, he did create several works featuring Mercury – who was later identified with Hermes by Roman scholars.

Alcamenes

Alcamenes was a sculptor from Athens who lived during the 5th century BC. He is best known for his work on the Parthenon – a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

While Alcamenes did not create any known sculptures of Hermes, he did create several works featuring other gods and goddesses – including a statue of Aphrodite that was widely admired in ancient Greece.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there have been many sculptors throughout history who have created depictions of Hermes – each with their own unique style and interpretation. While some sculptures are more famous than others, they all capture the essence of this iconic Greek god.