19th-Century Grand Tour Terracotta: Seated Hermes by Giorgio Sommer, Naples

A fine and exceptionally rare 19th-century terracotta figure of the Seated Hermes (Mercury), produced by the renowned Sommer foundry in Naples. This elegant cast is based on the celebrated Roman marble in the Naples Archaeological Museum, itself a copy of a lost Greek original, traditionally attributed to Lysippos.

The figure is stamped “SOMMER NAPOLI” and numbered “120”, corresponding to the catalogued production of Giorgio Sommer (1834–1914)—a leading figure in the dissemination of classical imagery during the Grand Tour era. While best known today for his archaeological photography, Sommer also ran a prolific foundry and gallery in Naples, supplying terracotta, plaster, and bronze reproductions of classical sculptures to an elite clientele of European travellers, collectors, and academics.

His foundry stood just steps from the Museo Nazionale, allowing direct access to ancient masterpieces for reproduction. Pieces stamped with the Sommer name were sold alongside works by Chiurazzi and De Angelis and are now highly sought after for their historical and artistic significance.

Terracotta versions of Sommer’s casts are especially rare, with most known examples produced in bronze or plaster. It retains a dry, unglazed biscuit finish, with excellent modelling to the features and anatomy. With minor historic losses (to the right hand and foot ) but remains entirely unrestored, with a rich surface patina and strong presence.