Mercury and Juno

Mercury, messenger of the Gods, is identifiable by his winged helmet and feet. The jug is to pour a libation, or offering. The crowned woman may be Juno, queen of the Gods. The artist Tacca was a sculptor, stage-set designer and master of court ceremonies to the Medici Grand Dukes in Florence between 1640-86. He helped transform the small bronze sculpture group. Previously they were objects to be handled or viewed from all sides. Tacca’s group was made to be seen from one direction and probably placed on furniture. His small figure bronzes were often cast in limited numbers and supplied to order to distinguished collectors. This bronze may have been owned by the Duke of Ferrara in 1684.