Marble Statue of Mercury Attaching His Talaria
After Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (1714–1785)
France, late 19th century
Inscribed Pigalle on the fluted circular base
Height: 62 cm
This finely carved white marble sculpture represents Mercury (Hermes), god of commerce and messenger of the gods, depicted in the act of fastening his talaria (winged sandals). The composition is a faithful 19th-century copy of the famous work submitted by Pigalle in 1744 as his reception piece to the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture.
Rendered with grace and anatomical precision, the pose captures a moment of poised movement and classical serenity. Pigalle’s original is considered a milestone in French sculpture, blending Baroque elegance with Rococo finesse.
