Procession of the Gods (Hermes, Athena, and Artemis)

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The intricate marble relief showcases a stately procession led by Hermes, the patron deity of commerce and communication, flanked by Athena, goddess of strategic warfare and wise counsel. Artemis, revered for her dominion over the untamed wilderness and its creatures, brings up the rear. This depiction may well be an artistic interpretation of a legendary Greek myth revolving around Hermes and the Crocus flower, as evidenced by Hermes' presence alongside this bloom, with Athena immediately following him, her iconic helmet now cast aside in a poignant gesture of sorrow. Crocus, a close friend of Hermes, holds a significant place in ancient lore. According to myth, during a casual game of discus-throwing between these two friends, a fatal accident occurred when Hermes inadvertently struck Crocus with the disc. In their honor and respect for this Greek hero, the gods chose to transform three drops of blood that had spilled onto the earth into a small flower known as the Crocus, its stamens shining brightly in remembrance. This remarkable piece of ancient artistry is currently housed at The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.