Kew Gardens Hermes at The British Museum, London

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The figure can be recognized as Hermes, patron deity of the gymnasium, due to its strong resemblance to another version (also on MyMiniFactory), where Hermes wears his customary winged sandals and kerykeion (magic wand). The young man stands in a relaxed, confident stance, his powerful physique blending the perfection of a young, toned athlete with an idealized image of a god. Multiple variations of this statue have survived from locations all across the Mediterranean, demonstrating its widespread popularity during ancient times. This statue, once housed at Kew Gardens in England, is now on display for the first time in over 50 years after undergoing reconstruction and conservation at the British Museum. Initially restored when first discovered, as was the standard practice from the Renaissance to the 18th Century, it received new arms and a left leg. The circumstances surrounding its presence at Kew Gardens remain unclear. The base upon which the statue stands is an ancient altar, dating back to around 300-100 BC, adorned with garlands and bulls' skulls. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a comprehensive digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have intriguing items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to discover how you can participate.