This is a bronze replica of Giovanni Bologna's "Hermes (The FlyingMercury)". It depicts Hermes standing on a column of air coming fromthe mouth of Zephyr, creating an illusion of floating. Many peoplebelieve that the modern medical symbol, a staff with two coiledsnakes, is derived from the staff of Asklepios - but that isincorrect. In fact that modern symbol is derived from the caduceus(magical wand) of Hermes, a short stick or staff with two snakescoiled around it. The reason for this may be due to Hermes' link withalchemy - alchemists were, at one time, referred to as the Sons ofHermes and alchemy blended in with early medical practice. He iscaught in racing upwards in a winged fury to deliver his message tothe gods. The emphasis on refined surface and cool elegance and beautyimplicates Bologna's Mannerist style. This rendition was cast usingthe age-old technique of lost-wax casting and finished with a brownpatina stain. It stands communicating the fables and messages of theantiquated gods upon a black marble base with the artist's signature.Giambologna, born as Jean Boulogne, incorrectly known as Giovanni daBologna and Giovanni Bologna (1529 – 13 August 1608), was a sculptor,known for his marble and bronze statuary in a late Renaissance orMannerist style. Giambologna was born in Douai, Flanders (now inFrance). After youthful studies in Antwerp with the architect-sculptorJacques du Broeucq, he moved to Italy in 1550, and studied in Rome.Giambologna made detailed study of the sculpture of classicalantiquity. He was also much influenced by Michelangelo, but developedhis own Mannerist style

this item is in great condition