Name: The Hermes Drinking Fountain
Date: unknown
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Approximate Dimensions: 7x8 feet
Sculptor: unknown
Medium: Copper
Sources of info: myself, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermes#Hermes_in_classical_art
Picture taken by Chris Carter
Significance of the work:
As the patron god of travelers, Hermes would provide care and protection for those on a journey. This sculpture in Budapest sits right atop a drinking fountain for passerbies in the street. Since Hermes cares for travelers, it is appropriate that a fountain for thirsty travelers bears his image. All that was needed was a sacrifice or a prayer. I read one article that said when a traveler bent over to drink from Hermes’ fountain, it looked as if the drinker was bowing in prayer to this god of travelers.
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