the column inscribed: C. NORBANI / SORICIS / SECUNDARUM / MAG. PAGI / AUG / FELICIS / SVBVRBANI / EX. D. D. / LOC. D. 

Overall, the condition of the herm is very good with minor wear to the surface consistent with age. The rear top right corner of the marble has been restored. There are chips to the edges of the marble. There are some scratches to the marble, particularly to the back. The bronze sits a little loose on the herm. There are minor dirt residues to the bronze. There is an indistinct foundry mark to the back of the bust.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present herm bust is a copy of one discovered in situ in the porticus of the Temple of Isis in Pompeii. The inscription translates as: 'To Gaius Norbanus Sorex, player of second parts. The magistri of the Pagus Augustus Felix Suburbanus, by decree of the decurions, set it up here.' Gaius Norbanus Sorex, an actor, is likely to also have been a magistrate, given that his monument was erected by the magistri of the Pagus Augustus Felix Suburbanus, a wealthy district of Pompeii. The monument was one of two in Pompeii commemorating Norbanus, suggesting that he was a man of considerable influence in the ancient town. Describing the herm, Katherine Welch has note that 'Sorex's portrait is rendered in a matter-of-fact, realistic-looking style. His face is irregularly shaped, his jaw is quite prominent and his underchin sags in the manner of many Roman republican period portraits. Yet the upward tilt of the head is an element one sees often in Hellenistic Greek portraits. It may be that this refinement was deemed appropriate to the representation of an actor' (K. E. Welch, 'Pompeian men and women in portrait sculpture', in P. Foss and J. J. Dobbins, The World of Pompeii, London, 2008, p. 565).