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Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus
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“Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus,” marble statue by Praxiteles, c. 350–330 bc (or perhaps a fine Hellenistic copy of his original). In the Archaeological Museum, Olympia, Greece. Height 2.15 m. Praxiteles: Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus
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Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus

sculpture by Praxiteles
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“Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus,” marble statue by Praxiteles, c. 350–330 bc (or perhaps a fine Hellenistic copy of his original). In the Archaeological Museum, Olympia, Greece. Height 2.15 m.
“Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus,” marble statue by Praxiteles, c. 350–330 bc (or perhaps a fine Hellenistic copy of his original). In the Archaeological Museum, Olympia, Greece. Height 2.15 m.

The sculpture Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus is attributed to the renowned 4th-century BCE Greek artist Praxiteles. This marble statue is celebrated for its delicate modeling and exquisite surface finish, showcasing Praxiteles' ability to imbue his work with gentle grace and sensuous charm.1

The sculpture depicts the god Hermes, a messenger and guide in Greek mythology, carrying the infant Dionysus. Dionysus himself is known as the god of wine and ecstasy, and in mythology, he was entrusted to Hermes for upbringing after a tumultuous birth involving Zeus and Semele. This particular work by Praxiteles is noted for its subtle personal element and exquisite finish, which profoundly influenced subsequent Greek sculpture. While many of Praxiteles' other famous works, such as the Aphrodite of Cnidus, are known only through Roman copies, Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus is believed to be one of the few surviving original works by his hand.21

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Praxiteles
  2. Dionysus
  3. Cephisodotus the Elder

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