The Flying Mercury (Flying Hermes)
Sculpture, free-standing bronze statuette • After Giambologna (Giovanni da Bologna). Likely a high-quality foundry reproduction (e.g., Chiurazzi, Sabatino de Angelis, or Barbedienne).
Style & Movement
Mannerist (original style) / Academic Revival (reproduction period)
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze using the lost-wax (cire perdue) process, with a dark brown or black patination.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century (Grand Tour Era)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height: 24 to 32 inches (inclusive of base); vertical/portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A nude Mercury (Hermes) balanced precariously on the breath of Zephyrus (the wind God). He wears a winged petasos (hat) and winged talaria (sandals), reaching upward with one arm while formerly holding a caduceus (now missing) in the other. It represents speed, divinity, and weightlessness.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The sculpture shows significant loss of original components and surface wear.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired during a Grand Tour or from a high-end decorative importer in the early 20th century; currently residing in a private library/domestic setting.
Art Historical Significance
Based on Giambologna's 1580 masterpiece, this work is a testament to the enduring influence of the Mannerist tradition. It exemplifies the 'figura serpentinata' (serpentine figure), designed to be viewed from all sides, which challenged the static nature of prior Renaissance sculpture.
Notable Features
Features a highly detailed figural base with a relief of cherubs/putti, which distinguishes it from simpler museum-style cylinder bases. The musculature is well-defined, suggesting a superior mid-to-late 19th-century casting rather than a modern mass-produced copy.
Condition Issues
Major loss: The Caduceus (staff) is missing from the left hand. Notable surface oxidation, dust accumulation in crevices, and potential base-joint looseness consistent with age and typical residential display.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove surface grime; archival waxing to stabilize the patina. It is recommended to keep the sculpture in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity.