Estátua de bronze de mercúrio - Mercury bronze s

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Anthropomorphic sculpture discovered in the Roman villa located at Quinta de S. João / Quinta da Laranjeira, Arrentela, Seixal, utilized during cultic practices of the Roman period between centuries III and IV. Made from bronze, it was later modified by attaching a lathe-hafted rod to the right arm, which had been partially amputated. Mercury stands upright, considered a young nude figure, covered only with a cloak draped over his torso. Wearing a hat with two small wings and holding a caduceus in his left hand, staff where two snakes intertwine. The lower limbs are broken off at the ends. A common attribute is missing, the traditional purse of coins held by the right hand, replaced by the lathe-hafted rod. The flattened surface at the lower end suggests it may represent an oar, possibly requesting divine protection for navigation and maritime trade that characterized the estuary of the Tagus River during that time.