The fragment represents the left shoulder and associated mantle
of a figure leaning on a herm or ‘hermaic’ pilaster.
Remains of a caduceus staff indicate that this figure represented
Mercury. The left arm of the figure would have been hanging
down (possibly bent at the elbow) along the left side of the
herm, but beyond the break at the shoulder only a rectangular
support now survives. The drapery-folds indicate that the god
was wearing a mantle diagonally across his chest with the ends
hanging down from his shoulder along his left arm (cf. the figure
of Apollo, Inv. 4). The rectangular
herm, or ‘hermaic’ pilaster, is topped by a frontal
head of a mature bearded man. The hair is rendered in a series
of tight curls like buttons across his forehead from ear to
ear and the beard forms a fine interlocking wave pattern. The
style of the herm is deliberately archaising and contrasts well
with the more fluid style of the Mercury figure. The mature
and bearded aspect of the herm may have been intended as a depiction
of Asklepios; not the least since the fragments were found within
the sanctuary of this god.