Mercury and Fortuna

After Giambologna (1529-1608)
19th century

The work of the Flemish-born Mannerist sculptor Giambologna was very popular during the 19th century. Master of the bronze statuette, Giambologna worked in 16th century Florence under the patronage of Francesco di Medici. Giambologna was responsible for a major aesthetic development in sculpture. His works departed from the Renaissance ideal of one viewpoint. Instead, the figures are to be viewed from all sides with equal appreciation, a quintessential characteristic of Mannersim.

Mercury and Fortuna are copies of Giambologna’s Medici Mercury of 1580,now in the Museo Nazionale in Florence (67” high) and his Fortuna, cast between 1570-90 (19” high) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. Both bronzes were recorded in the collection of Benedito Gondi in 1609 and are believed to have been created as a pair. The columnar bases with the putti relief and the drapery covering the body of the figures have been added to Giambologna’s originals in these 19th century reproductions.

Mercury Height: 34”
Fortuna Height: 29”