The large figures are crafted from patinated bronze and depict the Classical Roman figures Mercury and Fortuna. Both figures are supported on cylindrical plinths which feature a continuous relief panel depicting a procession of cherubim. The figures balance on one foot atop the plinth, above the mask of Boreas, the personification in Greek mythology of the north wind. The male figure, Mercury, is portrayed holding the caduceus, the name for his staff, in his left hand, and wearing his winged helmet on his head. The female figure, Fortuna, is depicting raising her hand towards the sky.
These figures are based on bronze works by the famous Mannerist sculptor, Giambologna (1529-1608). Giambologna’s sculpture of Mercury is especially well-known. It was created in 1580 for Ferdinando de’ Medici. The piece was intended as a sculptural finial for a fountain in the Villa Medici in Rome, but was moved in 1780 to the Uffizi Museum in Florence.
Mercury: Height 86cm, width 19cm, depth 27cm
Fortuna: Height 83cm, width 18cm, depth 28cm