Herm of a Man

myminifactory

This iconic portrait is initially believed to be that of Thales, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician who lived from 624 to 546 BC. However, it was later considered a likeness of Solon, another influential figure in ancient Greece. Modern interpretations suggest that the portrait actually depicts an unknown dramatic poet, as evidenced by the deep furrow in the hair that likely held a band or victory crown dedicated to Dionysus after winning a poetic competition. A herm is a freestanding marble or stone sculpture featuring a pilaster with a portrait bust at its top. Herm sculptures originated in ancient Greece to represent Hermes, the messenger god of the gods. The Roman copy was made in the 1st century AD and is based on an original work from the mid-2nd century BC.