Flying Mercury after Giambologna - 19th century bronze with brown patina
The magnificent original work circa 1580, the Flying Mercury by Giambologna (1529-1608) or John of Bologna, a superb bronze with black patina, is kept at the Bargello National Museum in Florence (Inv. Bronzi 449).
Our bronze is a reduction of Jean de Bologne's bronze, which measures 66.92 In. height.
It is displayed in its original brown patina and symbolizes Mercury, God of trade, thieves and messenger of the gods. He is depicted in a position on the verge of breaking his balance. The author drew inspiration for this figure from the ballets offered by Catherine de Médicis at her court. He is wearing a winged petasus (round, winged hat). His right arm is raised to the sky and he holds a caduceus in his left hand. Resting on the balls of his feet, he is propelled by the winds of the god Aeolus.
Our bronze stands on a bronze and black marble base decorated with Silenus' drunkenness in the Antique style.
French school of the 19th century.
Size: H 32.28 In.
In fine condition, our bronze shows minor wear to the patina, which is what makes this object so charming.
