Mercury

Details

Date

2019

Author / Artist

After Giambologna

Dimensions

286cm high

Material

Bronze

Catalogue number

SHPT.19

Current location

North Hall

A contemporary recast, on a grey composite fluted plinth, 286cm overall. Located in the North Hall, and replacing an earlier copy that can be seen in ‘Her Majesty’s Departure from Stowe House’, published in the Illustrated London News.

Mercury is one of the most famous and most replicated works by Giambologna, emblem of Mannerist sculpture, conceived to be admired from every point of view. Mercury is resting with his left foot on the wind generated by the mouth of Zephyr, anticipating his ascent to the heavens. His heels are winged, he wears a winged helmet, and carries the caduceus.

Giambologna’s Mercury dates back to 1580 when it was made for the Ferdinando de Medici’s Villa and was located in various places in the Villa Medici in Rome, until it was moved to the Uffizi in 1780. It was moved to the Bargello National Museum in 1865 where it remains.

A bronze of Mercury may be seen in ‘Her Majesty’s Departure from Stowe House’ a drawing of the ‘English School’ published by the Illustrated London News.