Terracotta Sculpture of Mercury after Jean Baptiste Pigalle, French, 1890

Magnificent terracotta sculpture representing Mercury, God of trade, thieves and messenger of the gods, sitting on a rock tying his winged heel. He is wearing the petasos, a winged hat, and his caduceus is on the ground. This sculpture, based on a model by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, shows a young, naked god between rest and momentum. In a double swivel position, he prepares to leave.

The terracotta is signed on the terrace "Pigalle” Jean-Baptiste PIGALLE (1714-1785) was a French sculptor who learnt sculpture from Robert Le Lorrain and Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. After a trip to Italy where he was inspired by Antiquity, he created this model as a reception piece for the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in July 1744. The original in marble is now in the Louvre Museum. Considered a master of sculpture of his time, he was under the protection of Madame de Pompadour from 1750.

French, Circa 1890

Condition. Great Condition.

Dimensions: Height 54.5 Cms x 34 Cms Width x 31 Cms Depth