Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical mythology and artistry with our life-size Mercury statue, standing at a majestic 130 cm. This exquisite reproduction, inspired by the original sculpture after the antique by the celebrated artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, brings to life Mercury, the fleet-footed Roman god of commerce, eloquence, and communication. The statue captures a moment of poised elegance and power, portraying the god as he sits beside a tree stump, holding a sword in his right hand and the pastoral pipes in his left. This masterful combination of mythology, art, and fine craftsmanship will elevate any space with its timeless beauty.
Mercury, or Mercurius in Latin, holds a pivotal role in Roman mythology. He was one of the twelve major deities known as the Dii Consentes in the Roman pantheon and was celebrated as a multifaceted god who presided over financial gain, trade, eloquence, travelers, and communication. His cunning nature also made him the god of trickery and thieves, while his swiftness made him the messenger of the gods, particularly of Jupiter, his father.
Mercury was also a psychopomp, responsible for guiding souls to the underworld. This aspect of his divine duties made him a figure who straddled the boundary between life and death, a divine entity who facilitated transitions and communication between realms. His complex persona is elegantly encapsulated in this statue, where the juxtaposition of the sword, symbolizing his swiftness and readiness to act, and the pastoral pipes, indicative of his pastoral and poetic aspects, reflect the duality of his nature.
In Roman iconography, Mercury is often depicted with his signature winged sandals and helmet (the petasos), allowing him to travel with speed. This version of the Mercury statue, however, showcases a more contemplative and grounded version of the god, seated and poised, holding both instruments of peace (the pipes) and potential action (the sword). This dual symbolism reflects his complex role as a deity of both commerce and communication, as well as a guide for souls.
The original statue upon which this reproduction is based was created after the work of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844), a neoclassical master whose works have had a lasting influence on the world of sculpture. Thorvaldsen was renowned for his ability to capture the grace and dynamism of mythological figures, making him one of the most sought-after sculptors of his time. His works, inspired by ancient Roman and Greek art, emphasized clarity of form, proportion, and restraint, characteristics that are abundantly clear in his depiction of Mercury.
This particular statue was acquired for Burghley House during the grand tour from an Italian studio, reflecting the period's trend of wealthy patrons commissioning reproductions of classical works during their travels across Europe. The grand tour was an essential cultural journey for aristocrats and intellectuals in the 17th and 18th centuries, and sculptures such as Mercury served as treasured souvenirs, representing the pinnacle of classical culture and refinement.
Our Mercury Life-size Statue is meticulously crafted using our proprietary dry casting process, which utilizes over 90% natural marble, primarily sourced from the quarries of Carrara in Italy. Carrara marble has been prized since antiquity for its fine grain and pure, radiant whiteness. The high percentage of natural marble in the cast ensures that this sculpture has the authentic look and feel of a genuine marble statue, capturing the luminous sheen and fine detailing that marble affords.
Unlike mass-produced statues, which often sacrifice quality for efficiency, each Mercury statue is carefully hand-finished by our skilled artisans. In fact, 80% of the production process involves meticulous hand-finishing, ensuring that the surface reflects the natural beauty and texture of real marble. The artisans carefully polish the stone particles within the cast, enhancing their brilliance and ensuring that every detail—from the folds of Mercury's draped garment to the texture of the tree stump—stands out with striking clarity.
The sword in Mercury's right hand and the pipes in his left are also given special attention, with the sword symbolizing his role as a protector and guide, while the pipes represent his connection to pastoral life and eloquence. These contrasting symbols are carefully rendered to capture their individual textures and tones, adding depth and dimension to the statue.
Our dry casting process not only ensures that the sculpture is lightweight and easier to handle than traditional solid marble, but it also provides incredible durability. Whether you choose to display it indoors in a grand hall, study, or library, or place it outdoors as a centerpiece in a garden, this statue is designed to withstand the elements and retain its beauty for generations.
Mercury's importance in Roman mythology cannot be understated. He was often depicted with his winged sandals (talaria) and helmet, allowing him to travel swiftly between the gods, mortals, and the underworld. Mercury was not only a messenger but also a divine diplomat, using his silver tongue and eloquence to settle disputes and convey the will of the gods. This role made him an essential figure in Roman worship, where communication and commerce were the lifeblood of the empire.
As the god of commerce, Mercury presided over financial transactions, trade, and wealth. Merchants and travelers would offer him prayers and sacrifices, hoping for his blessings in their endeavors. His role as a guide for souls made him an intermediary between life and death, and his cunning nature made him the god of thieves, tricksters, and those who sought to outwit others.
In art, Mercury has been depicted in various ways throughout history. In ancient Roman frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures, he was typically shown as a youthful, athletic figure, exuding energy and speed. During the Renaissance and into the neoclassical period, artists like Thorvaldsen revisited Mercury with a sense of reverence, imbuing his figure with elegance and restraint. This particular statue reflects this shift in artistic sensibilities, portraying Mercury in a more tranquil, seated position, suggesting contemplation and wisdom rather than action alone.
The Mercury Life-size Statue is a true work of art, combining the best of classical mythology and modern craftsmanship. Standing at 130 cm, this statue is the perfect size to command attention without overwhelming a space. Its finely detailed form and impeccable finish make it a timeless addition to any art collection, home, or garden.
For those who appreciate the artistry of the classical world and the craftsmanship of modern sculpture, this statue offers the best of both worlds. Its design draws heavily on Roman myth and Thorvaldsen's neoclassical aesthetic, while its construction benefits from cutting-edge casting technology and the unmatched skill of our artisans.
Whether displayed in a study, where its presence can inspire creativity and contemplation, or in a garden, where it can be bathed in natural light, accentuating its fine marble texture, this Mercury statue will elevate any space. Its durability, combined with its timeless beauty, ensures that it will remain a cherished piece for generations to come.
Owning a piece like the Mercury Life-size Statue is more than just acquiring a decorative object; it is about bringing a piece of history, mythology, and fine art into your personal space. Mercury's associations with commerce, communication, and eloquence make this statue not only a representation of beauty but also a symbol of success, wisdom, and guidance.
Whether you are a collector of classical art, a lover of Roman mythology, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this statue offers you a unique opportunity to own a piece of European craftsmanship that is as rich in history as it is in beauty.
Our Mercury Life-size Statue stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical mythology and the unmatched craftsmanship of our artisans. With its roots in the grand neoclassical tradition of Bertel Thorvaldsen and its connection to the ancient Roman god of commerce and communication, this statue is a perfect fusion of art, history, and timeless beauty.
Standing at 130 cm and crafted from over 90% natural Carrara marble, this meticulously hand-finished piece offers the look and feel of a genuine marble statue, designed to be cherished for generations. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, this Mercury statue will captivate and inspire all who behold it, offering a timeless reminder of the wisdom, eloquence, and power that Mercury embodies.
