Pair of marble and patinated bronze figures after Giambologna

These two patinated bronze figures depict Mercury, the god of shopkeepers, merchants, travellers, transporters of goods, thieves and tricksters, and Fortuna, the goddess of luck. These figures are both depicted nude, and they adopt similar poses. They stand on the tiptoes of one foot and kick the other out behind them, while extending one arm to the sky and holding the other by their side.

Mercury is depicted wearing a winged helmet and with winged heels, which allow him to fly to deliver messages to the Olympian gods. He holds a money-bag in his outstretched hand, signifying his role as the god of trade. Fortuna is seen blowing into a long trumpet which she directs to the heavens. Her other hand holds onto a loose piece of drapery, which modestly covers her nude body.

Fortuna stands on top of the Wheel of Fortune, while Mercury balances on a gust of wind, produced by the mask of one of the ‘Venti’ (wind gods) of the Roman religion. The figures are raised up on tall cylindrical marble plinths, which are decorated with patinated bronze continuous relief scenes, depicting cherubs involved in scholarly activities, such as navigation.

The sculptures are based on designs made by the 16^th-Century Flemish sculptor, Giambologna. Giambologna (born ‘Jean Boulogne’) was based in Italy and became famous for his fine Mannerist style marble and bronze sculptures.

Mercury: Height 83cm, width 20cm, depth 25cm
Fortuna: Height 80cm, width 19cm, depth 20cm