Marble relief of Hermes, three nymphs, and Acheloös ca. 320–300 B.C.

Greek, Attic

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 158

The relief represents Hermes escorting three nymphs and, at the back, the forepart of the river god Acheloös who is represented in the form of a bull. A mound stands for a rustic altar. The retrospective style of the relief imitates works of the Archaic period (ca. 600–480 B.C.). Numerous votive reliefs of this type, dedicated to Hermes, Pan, and the nymphs, have been found in Greece. In most of these scenes, a grotto marks the locality; this relief is unusual for its architectural frame.

Public Domain

Object Details

Title: Marble relief of Hermes, three nymphs, and Acheloös

Period: Hellenistic

Date: ca. 320–300 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Marble, Island ?

Dimensions: Overall: 11 1/8 x 15 1/2in. (28.2 x 39.4cm)

Classification: Stone Sculpture

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925

Accession Number: 25.78.59