Hermes (sculpture)
While the torso dates from the first century, the balance of the statue is reputed to be the work of Giovanni Bernini, a 17th-century Italian sculptor.Hermes is also commonly seen with a magic wand (caduceus) that is a symbol of the medical profession because of its ability to reconcile conflicts.The statue depicts Mercury holding a traditional welcoming gift of silver coins in his right hand and a snake entwined, winged staff in his left.The Milwaukee Art Center Garden Club purchased the statue in 1967 for $10,000 and commissioned a local sculptor, Dick Wilken, to create the decorative bronze pedestal for Hermes.This home was private until 1966 when Milwaukee County received the villa as a gift of Mrs. John Jacob Curtis, Lloyd Smith's surviving spouse.