Mercury Standing on the Breath of Zeus, Antique Grand Tour

About the Item

After Giambologna (Italian, 1529-1608) Mercury Standing on the Breath of Zeus Bronze 27.5 x 14.25 x 5.5 inches The sculpture depicts Mercury wearing his winged helmet and sandals and holding a caduceus. Created after one of Giambologna's most celebrated sculptures in the Renaissance, Mercury, was designed as part of a fountain for the Villa Medici in Rome.The head on which Mercury steps symbolizes the figure being “exhaled, purified, unburdened.” When the Giambologna sculpture was unveiled, the work quickly became popular among wealthy collectors' cabinets of the Renaissance. Mercury was an Ancient Roman Olympian god, who was the messenger of the Gods. He was frequently portrayed with wings on his cap and heels to signify his swiftness. Mercury leaps forward on his left leg while gracefully pointing upward with his right arm, creating a lifelike and elegant silhouette. The lower part of the statue’s base is decorated with images of cherubs playing flutes. The upper section of the base transforms into a head that is breathing onto Mercury’s foot. The head personifies one of the “winds”. The statue has several distinct features; in Mercury’s right hand he holds what appears to be a vial and in the left he holds his attribute, the caduceus, now a symbol of modern medicine.

Dimensions:
Height: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Width: 14.25 in (36.2 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
Medium:
Bronze
After:
Giambologna (1529 - 1608, Italian)
Period:
19th Century
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Beachwood, OH
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1768216476752