Antique Classical Bronze Statue "Flying Mercury" after Giovanni de Bologna 19thC

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Antique Classical Bronze Statue "Flying Mercury" after Giovanni de Bologna 19thC

About the Item

Antique figural Classical bronze sculpture after Giovanni da Bologna's "Flying Mercury" of the Roman God Mercury with his staff and taking flight, marble base, 19th century Measures - 36" H x 11" W @ W, 7" base Additional Information: Mercury (Latin: Mercurius) is a major Roman god, being one of the Dii Consentes within the ancient Roman pantheon. He is the patron god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence (and thus poetry), messages/communication (including divination), travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery and thieves; he is also the guide of souls to the underworld. He was considered the son of Maia and Jupiter in Roman mythology. His name is possibly related to the Latin word merx ("merchandise"; cf. merchant, commerce, etc.), mercari (to trade), and merces (wages); another possible connection is the Proto-Indo-European root merg- for "boundary, border" (cf. Old English "mearc", Old Norse "mark" and Latin "margo") and Greek (by analogy of Arcturus), as the "keeper of boundaries," referring to his role as bridge between the upper and lower worlds. In his earliest forms, he appears to have been related to the Etruscan deity Turms; both gods share characteristics with the Greek god Hermes. He is often depicted holding the caduceus in his left hand. Similar to his Greek equivalent (Hermes) he was awarded the caduceus by Apollo who handed him a magic wand, which later turned into the caduceus. Giovanni da Bologna's famed Flying Mercury captures the Greek messenger of the gods speeding through the skies. Mercury is depicted wearing a winged petasus on his head and winged sandals which give him speed in flight. He carries the caduceus in his hand, the magic wand given to him by Apollo that has come to symbolizes the practice of medicine. A bronze column of breath from Aeolus, the wind god, serves as a pedestal to propel Mercury upward and forward. Mercury points upward towards Jupiter in a contraposto (twist of the body) pose that is both elegant and powerful. With his knowledge of anatomy and exceptional artistic skill, it is no wonder that da Bologna's masterpiece originally sculpted in 1580 remains one of today's most cherished bronze artworks.

Dimensions:
Height: 36 in (91.44 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
Style:
Classical Greek (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Cast
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
20th C
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Flea bites in marble; staff loose but attached; abrasion on foot.
Seller Location:
Big Flats, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: 638181stDibs: LU239639520701