Swift footed, Mercury (known to Greeks as
Hermes), the messenger of Jupiter and herald to
the gods, was the patron deity of travelers,
gamblers, tricksters, and businessmen. To him is
ascribed the introduction of deploying embassies
in the capitals of foreign empires in order to
broker peace through diplomatic channels
instead of war. Mercury, the robber and cattle
driver, the prince of thieves at the gates, the
bringer of dreams, the patron of travelers, is also
credited with assisting the Fates during the
creation of the alphabet, securing his role as the
governor of the tongue and the guide of
intelligent speech. He also invented the lyre from
a tortoise shell and gave this musical instrument
to Apollo who, in turn, gave Mercury a caduceus,
the golden staff crowned by wings and
intertwined with serpents--symbol of today's
medical profession. Mercury is sometimes called
Argiphontes, for having killed the all-seeing
Argos I who guarded Io. He is also referred to as
Psychopompus in the context of his role as the
guide of the souls of the deceased to the
Underworld.
Here, Mercury stands nude in a classic
contraposto pose with his weight resting on his
right leg, leaving his left leg relaxed with his
knee slightly bent. A piece of drapery flows
across his chest and falls along his left arm. His
head is angled down and slightly to the right and
a laurel wreath crowns his short curly hair. His
identity is confirmed by the money sack he
carries in his right hand. His left hand is open,
extended forward as if ready to accept offerings.
The sculptor of this work was certainly inspired
by 5th Century B.C. Greek original by the great
master Polykleitos. No doubt this gorgeous work
of art was revered in its own time. Libations of
rich wines and perfumed oils might have been
placed nearby to honor the invoked deity.
However, while the great pantheon of Greek and
Roman gods and goddesses has faded into the
realm of myth, this sculpture still stands as a
stunning work of timeless beauty. Who knows,
maybe this work will conjure up the spirit of
Mercury, who might bless us with successful
business dealings and safe travel? In our world –
as in antiquity – this seems the ideal work of art
for someone who charts a swift and successful
course through time.
- (X.0144)
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