Getty Museum

Small Herm

Date

1st century B.C.

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Italic ?

Department

Sculpture

Institution

Getty Museum

A small herm rests on a square base. The pillar of the herm is carved in relief with the back extending past the sides. The erect phallus near the bottom of the pillar is broken away, leaving only the testicles. The neck rises out of the flat top of the pillar; the head is ovoid with a prominent pointed chin. The eyes are slanted and narrow with round pupils in relief. The horizontal groove that is the mouth is opened and there is a large gash across the right cheek just above the mouth. The ears are prominent, highly stylized and carved free of the hair. The cap of hair is brushed back and patterned with incised lines to indicate fullness. There are ridges on both sides of the neck. There are two square knobs on either side of the pillar. Whether the bearded head is meant to represent Hermes, or a local hero or person is difficult to say. The herm is small and carved with rudimentary skill. The genitals are carved in front, and two protuberances indicate the arms, according to the established tradition for full-size herms. The carving represents a kind of regional art, difficult to date and to place.

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