NINETEENTH CENTURY FRENCH SCHOOL After John of Bologna, known as Giambologna (1529-1608) Flying Mercury Bronze with brown patina H. 65.5 cm, on a white marble fluted column base 25.3 cm Minor wear to the base, the caduceus mobile Reference work : -Giovanni di Bologna known as Giambologna, Mercury, bronze, H. 170 cm, Florence, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, inv. Bronzi 449. This representation of Jupiter's messenger, the god Mercury, wearing the winged petasus and caduceus, was originally a monumental subject used as a fountain (170 cm high), executed by Giovanni Bologna for Cardinal Ferdinand de' Medici (now kept in Florence at the Museo nazionale del Bargello). A true testament to the Mannerist movement, the The sculpture is a three-dimensional expression of the art of Raphael, who painted a Mercury in the Villa Farnesina in the early 16th century. This magnificent figure, which poses a real challenge to balance, is undoubtedly one of the most famous works by the great sculptor of the Florentine court. One of the versions created by Giambologna and cast by Domenico Portigiani was part of the first commission of large bronzes offered as diplomatic gifts in 1598 to Henri IV, King of France. It went on to become a huge success, being reproduced in many different versions and sizes by Giambologna's workshop and his successors until the nineteenth century.