Antiquary & Expert CNES

This striking sculpture represents Mercury (Hermès), the messenger of the gods in Greco-Roman mythology, seized in the midst of the ascension momentum. Inspired by Giambologna models, the work evokes the famous "flying mercury", an emblematic figure of the Renaissance, frequently reproduced in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The god is represented naked, slender, the arm stretched towards the sky, resting on a single foot supported by a breath of stylized air gushing with a blowing head (often assimilated to Zéphyr or Éole), symbol of divine lightness. We find on his helmet the characteristic wings (petases), as well as at ankles - traditional attributes of mercury.

Made of iron cast iron, this version is distinguished by its slender proportions (82 cm high with base), its precise quality of cast iron and its original brunette patina. The molded circular base, also made of cast iron, harmoniously completes the sculpture and strengthens its verticality.

Beautiful old patina, wear wear, some gaps.

Origin: France or Italy

This type of sculpture traditionally adorned libraries, vestibules or amateur firms, and reflected the scholarly taste for mythological figures. The quality of the model and the finesse of the cast iron make it a decorative but also evocative work of the neoclassical spirit of the 19th century.