Dimensions height 210 cm, weight 328 kg
Ferdinand Leenhoff created this bronze sculpture of Mercury, the Roman messenger god, during the late 19th or early 20th century. Leenhoff, who was the brother of Suzanne Manet, the wife of Édouard Manet, worked within the academic tradition, yet this sculpture introduces nuances to classical representations. Instead of depicting Mercury in dynamic flight, a common artistic trope, Leenhoff presents a more relaxed, humanized figure. This Mercury sits, contemplative, almost melancholic. The choice to depict Mercury in a moment of repose rather than action may reflect a shift in societal values, perhaps questioning the relentless pursuit of progress and communication that Mercury typically embodies. How does this sculpture invite us to reflect on the slower, more introspective aspects of human existence, contrasting with our era's own obsession with speed and connectivity?
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In mythology, Mercury was the god of commerce and was also considered the messenger of the gods. That is why he wears winged sandals that take him swiftly from one place to another. Beside him lies his caduceus, a staff with two coiled snakes. A legend relates that he acquired the staff from Apollo in exchange for a lyre.
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