Miniature bronze statuette of the god Mercury

Handcrafted based on an original find

The design is based on an ancient statuette of Mercury from a Roman lararium (domestic shrine), now housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin. The statue has been scaled down in detail, partly so that it can be used with our "Comacchio" travel altar.

Typical features of this illustration:

• A relaxed, lively posture
• References to classic attributes such as a travelling hat (Petasos) and a messenger’s staff (Caduceus)
• An expression of elegance, lightness and dynamism

A depiction of how she was worshipped daily in Roman households.

Handcrafted from solid bronze

This miniature is crafted in our own workshop using the traditional lost-wax casting method:

• Solid, genuine bronze – no resin, no tin – a piece to last a lifetime!
• Handcrafted using the lost-wax casting process, just like large statues
• Featuring classic Mercury symbols (the caduceus, a purse)
• Mercury's staff (winged caduceus) manufactured and assembled separately
• Historically inspired (Lararium, Neues Museum, Berlin)
• Not mass-produced – every piece is unique
• Compact size (54 mm including base)

The statuette is crafted in our own workshop using the intricate lost-wax casting technique (Cire Perdue) – a method that has been in use since ancient times. We use only solid bronze: no resin, no tin, no industrial mass production.

The figure depicts Mercury in a lively, slightly animated pose, typical of lararium statuettes. In the depiction, he is shown bearing his traditional attributes: the caduceus (herald’s staff) and the money bag (marsupium).

A notable detail: the caduceus is cast separately as a distinct piece and then precisely attached to the figure. This labour-intensive process allows for finer detailing and greater three-dimensionality in the caduceus – a hallmark of quality that is usually lost in figures cast in a single piece.

Thanks to its compact size of 54 mm (including base), the figurine is ideal for display cabinets, small altars or portable displays.

Each figurine is a unique, handcrafted piece with its own character.

Historical background and symbolism

In Roman mythology, Mercury (Mercurius) was the god of trade, contracts, travellers and communication, as well as the messenger of the gods and guide of souls. His significance was closely linked to everyday life and practical matters – particularly in the context of exchange, movement and economic life.

His attributes clearly reflect these functions. The Caduceus, the winged staff with two intertwined serpents, has its origins in an ancient tale: Mercury is said to have separated and pacified two fighting serpents with his staff. The animals ceased their struggle and eventually coiled peacefully around the staff. This developed into a powerful symbol of mediation, reconciliation and the resolution of conflicts. At the same time, the two serpents represent opposites that are brought into balance through skilful mediation.

The purse (Marsupium) symbolises prosperity, profit and business success – a clear indication of his role as the patron saint of traders and merchants. In addition, the travelling hat (Petasos) symbolises his role as the tireless companion of travellers.

Animals are also associated with Mercury: the rooster symbolises vigilance, activity and the start of the day, whilst the goat or kid embodies fertility and vitality and was also a typical sacrificial animal in Roman worship.

The design of this statuette is loosely inspired by a figure of Mercury from a Roman lararium, now in the Neues Museum in Berlin. Such figures formed part of domestic altars and reflect religious practices in everyday life.

The combination of attributes, posture and symbolism paints a clear picture of a god who represents movement, action, balance and transitions.

Use and presentation

This small miniature statuette is ideal for:

• Reconstructions of Roman household altars (lararium)
• Collections of antique replicas
• Reenactment & Living History
• Teaching and museum education

When combined with other figures or the travel altar based on the Comacchio find, the result is a particularly harmonious depiction:
A dense, atmospheric scene depicting a small Roman travel shrine in miniature, designed to ensure the god’s favour whilst on the move.