After Jean de Boulogne, known as Giambologna, (1529 - 1608), a pair of patinated bronze models of Mercury and Fame, late 19th century

After Jean de Boulogne, known as Giambologna, (1529 - 1608), a pair of patinated bronze models of Mercury and Fame, late 19th century, both portrayed nude and supported aloft on the breath of a Nimbus, the former with caduceus wand, winged petasus and winged ankles, the latter holding a laurel sprig and a trumpet; on cylindrical marmo rouge griotte mounted relief cast bronze pedestals, the friezes with cavorting amorini, 59cm high

The Mercury is one of the most famous and replicated works of the Renaissance, but was originally intended by Giambologna to be viewed on its own and importantly, from all sides -thoroughly in line with his Mannerist ideals. It was only in the 19th century that casts after the original were offered for sale as pairs, the Mercury more usually being allied with Fortuna, but sometimes with Iris, and more rarely with Fame (Pheme in Greek, Fama to the Romans) as in this case. Giambologna's original bronze of 1580 was first installed at the Villa Medici in Rome, being positioned at the order of Ferdinando de Medici atop a fountain which formed a focal point on the formal staircase between the sumptuous gardens and the loggia entrance to the Villa
In 1780 the Mercury was moved to the Uffizi Museum, and then finally in 1865, to the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence

Condition Report:
Marks ,scratches and abrasions comensurate with age and use. Some chips of loss to the outer edges of the marble socles/ bases. See additional images The base of the male figure has had a chip of loss to it that has been disguised by dark coloured filler (see images) A similar area to the base of the female figure has been chipped, however it appears that most of the chipped off element has been re-stuck and some filler has been used to disguise (see image) Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition.