Mercury – bronze after Giambologna

Mercury after Giambologna

Bronze on green marble base

Height: 54 cm

Giovanni da Bologna’s (1529–1608) Mercury from 1580, a major work of Mannerism and the model for this bronze, can be viewed in the loggia of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Mercury is depicted standing on tiptoe on a column of air blown up by Zephyr, the god of wind. The sculpture’s incessant twisting and turning movements, right down to the tips of his fingers, seem to defy gravity. This ingenious design has inspired artists and collectors throughout the centuries and has been frequently recast or imitated. The earliest replica, with very minor modifications, was created by Cesare del Palagio and stands in the fountain courtyard of the Munich Residenz. Beautiful! In the 18th and 19th centuries, Mercury was one of the most popular Grand Tour souvenirs.