Hermes in Africa by Noah Taylor, Patinated Brass & Copper, Unique, 20cm high by 11cm wide by 12cm deep, Abstract, Humorous, Giraffe, Other sculpture

Hermes in Africa by Noah Taylor is a unique patinated brass and copper sculpture measuring 20 cm high, 11 cm wide, and 12 cm deep. The work merges mythology and whimsy, reimagining the Greek messenger god Hermes within an African-inspired scene.

Taylor’s figure balances delicately on one leg atop a giraffe’s head, creating a striking sense of motion and fragility. The man’s pose is dynamic, his free arm reaches upward while the other supports a large green-tinted box, perhaps symbolizing a burden or message in transit. Small wings extend from his back, a playful nod to Hermes’ mythic attributes, while his baggy clothes and metal hat add a touch of eccentric, handmade charm.

Beneath him, the giraffe’s elongated neck rises from a flat base, its golden patina contrasting with the cooler tones of the man’s box. The animal gazes upward, connecting the two figures in a shared gesture of ascent and balance.

Taylor’s use of mixed patinas brings warmth and character to the piece, emphasizing both the fantastical narrative and the craftsmanship behind it. The sculpture feels both humorous and poetic—a meeting of myth and imagination, where a god of travel and communication finds new footing in an African landscape.