"Mercury Attaching his Sandals" by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle

 

This is a fine 19th century bronze casting of Mercury Attaching his Sandals by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (French, 1714-1785).  Please be sure to click on the "View More Images" link above to see additional views.

 

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, is depicted sitting on a rock, ready to leap up.  He is attaching the winged sandals which will enable him to take flight.  The god's twisted position and the play of his limbs make the composition interesting to observe from every angle.  His crouched position, the upward slant of his limbs and shoulder line, the flexed toes of his left leg and his face turned to scan the horizon, all combine to give an impression of dynamism -- that Mercury is about to soar into the sky.

 

This sculpture was an instant success for Pigalle.  Voltaire compared it to the finest works of Greek antiquity.  Many replicas were acquired by artists, and its image can be seen in several paintings from 18th century France.

 

This is an original 19th century French bronze casting, made after the original marble which is today housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.  This sculpture has a beautifully rich patina in tones of dark browns and greens.  It stands 22" (55 cm) high.  Condition is very good, with some marks and patina discoloration consistent with its age as an antique work of art.

 

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