Giovanni da Bologna's famed Flying Mercury captures the Greek messenger of the gods speeding through the skies. Mercury is depicted wearing a winged petasus on his head and winged sandals which give him speed in flight. He carries the caduceus in his hand, the magic wand given to him by Apollo that has come to symbolizes the practice of medicine. A bronze column of breath from Aeolus, the wind god, serves as a pedestal to propel Mercury upward and forward. Mercury points upward towards Jupiter in a contrapposto (twist of the body) pose that is both elegant and powerful. With his knowledge of anatomy and exceptional artistic skill, it is no wonder that da Bologna's masterpiece originally sculpted in 1580 remains one of today's most cherished bronze artworks. The sculpture has exceptional detail and is finished with a rich amber patina. Mounted onto a black marble base, the sculpture stands an impressive 37" tall by 19" at its maximum width.

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