Unknown Maker, Roman

This piece is likely an example of an honorary portrait statue. During Roman imperial times, artists and patrons began to insert portrait heads into statues based on well- known body types identified with certain deities. The distinctive front twist of the mantle (chlamys) draped over the figure’s shoulder has been found on representations of the god Hermes (the Roman Mercury). Hermes was the patron god of men involved in trade, and the particular body type of this male figure was often used for portrait statues of wealthy men of business.

When RISD acquired the piece in 1903, it appeared with legs on a base. In 1953, the torso, believed to be ancient, was seperated from the legs and base which were thought to be 18th-century additions. Recent scientific tests indicate that the marbles are from several quarries which were active in Roman times. In the 18th century it was common practice for sculptors to fill in missing portions of broken ancient sculptures, and even to recombine unrealted fragments as restored statues. These new antiquites were eagerly purchased as aesthetic objects whose ancient pedigrees and pleasing poses reinforced their owners' social status.

Ambitious restorations can blur the boundaries between what is original and what is not, so current philosophy of conservation of ancient sculpture is to let fragments stand on thier own. Restorations inevitably retain som eflavor of the era during which they were made; they tend to look out of place to subsequent generations.

This piece is likely an example of an honorary portrait statue. During Roman imperial times, artists and patrons began to insert portrait heads into statues based on well-known body types identified with certain deities. This practice was not restricted to members of the imperial family, as certain body types were used by patrons of different status and wealth. The intent in all cases, however, was to be represented as embodying the quintessential Roman ideals or virtues as symbolized by the particular deities. The distinctive front twist in the mantle (chlamys) draped over the Providence figure’s left shoulder has been found only on representations of the god Hermes (the Roman Mercury) and suggests such an identification for the Providence torso. Hermes was the Patron god of businessmen, especially those involved in trade. Known as the Hermes Richelieu type (after a statue in the Louvre Museum, Paris), the particular body type of the RISD figure was often used for portrait statues of businessmen.