After Giambologna , Life-Size Statue of Hermes, Bronze, France, 18th Century

Description

Life-sized Bronze Statue of Hermes, 18th Century, French, After Giambologna

Direct, as seen photographed, from a Greenwich CT mansion comes … more Life-sized Bronze Statue of Hermes, 18th Century, French, After Giambologna

Direct, as seen photographed, from a Greenwich CT mansion comes this six foot Important patinated bronze statuary depicting Mercury (or Hermes) in flight on a cherub head (literally standing on the wind) one hand with part of a caduceus.
This Mercury is one of the most famous sculptures by Mannerist sculptor Giambologna, and was designed to be viewed from all sides. The Artist created it while the God soars supported by the other God Zephyrus.

The original sculpture, created in 1580, decorated the Villa Medici in Rome until 1780, where it was placed by Ferdinando de’ Medici, on top of the fountain in the middle of the staircase between the sumptuous gardens and the loggia entrance to the Villa.
In 1780 the Mercury was moved to the Uffizi Museum in Florence and then finally to the Bargello National Museum in 1865.



French late 18th c., unsigned - artist unknown

72" H x 20 " W (at base)

Condition:
Good overall; top of caduceus missing from right hand, small dent in left torso


Provenance:
Bernard Steinitz, Paris from private French collection less