Wooden "Mercury" Figure c. 1936

Elizabeth Moutal made this wooden "Mercury" Figure, of indeterminate date, which measures 54 by 36.5 centimeters. Moutal, born in the early twentieth century, lived through periods of immense social and political change. During this time, women were fighting for suffrage, entering the workforce in greater numbers, and challenging traditional gender roles. Perhaps Moutal chose Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, messages, and boundaries, as a way to engage with this changing world. Mercury, often depicted as youthful and athletic, embodies qualities of agility, communication, and swiftness. Here, poised on a sphere, his winged sandals suggest movement and transition. He's unclothed except for a draped cloth and winged hat, emphasizing a kind of freedom. The sculpture might reflect Moutal's personal experiences and aspirations as a woman navigating societal expectations. While the artwork nods to classical ideals, it also allows us to consider Moutal's experience and the societal shifts that informed her artistic choices.