Description

C19th French bronze statue of "Mercury" after Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. This well-cast reduction of Pigalle's most celebrated work shows the messenger to the Gods fastening his winged sandals ("talaria") in order to take flight, whilst resting on a cloud.
Jean-Baptiste Pigalle(1714-1785)became one of the most celebrated sculptors in France during the Rococo period of the eighteenth century. Pigalle studied in Rome before returning to France where he sculpted this original small version of "Mercury" in 1741 from marble and he gained admission to the French Academy of Fine Arts in Paris in 1744.Subsequently in 1752 Pigalle was appointed Professor of Sculpture at the Academy and received a number of royal commissions.
The marble sculpture is now in the Musee du Louvre ,Paris, whilst its terracotta model resides in the Metropolitan Museum, New York. Versions of this iconic image exist in some of the greatest collections of the world, Waddesdon Manor as owned by the Rothschild dynasty being one .
This greenish-brown patinated bronze version , shows "Mercury" leaning down to fasten his wings while gazing upwards to the Heavens, his caduceus laid down by his feet.
H 13"
W 8".
France c. 1870
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees&Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on Selling Antiques showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:
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Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: MLMJ 147