Summary
Statue titled 'Mercury' modelled by C. Douglas Richardson and cast by W.H. Rocke, circa 1899. It was made for the proprietors of The Age newspaper and stood astride the Age building at 233 Collins Street, Melbourne from 1899-1969. In 1969 it was moved to the Age building on Spencer Street first standing on a platform on the corner of Spencer and Lonsdale Streets and then on the Spencer Street verandah. The statue did not appear to best advantage in either location, and was placed in storage. In 1985 it was lent to the Museum of Victoria for the Story of Victoria exhibition, and was then donated to the Museum in 1997.
The statue was created by the sculptor and painter Charles Douglas Richardson, who was inspired by Giambologna's bronze statue, made in Florence in 1580. It was made of 20 pieces of beaten copper which were riveted together and cast by W.H. Rooke of Melbourne.
Mercury fascinated the citizens of Melbourne when he first appeared on top of the newly renovated Age building in Collins Street, Melbourne, in August 1899. Many were alarmed at the prospect of the first blustery north wind dislodging the statue. The Age assured them that Mercury would not make a sudden descent into Collins Street, as he had a 3-inch steel tube passing from the shoulder, through the body and leg, and embedded nine feet into a stone block in the wall.
Mercury, the Roman messenger god, symbolised the newspaper's role in communication.
Physical Description
Statue of the Roman god Mercury. The statue is about four metres high, and the figure is standing on top of an orb, representing the world, and carrying a lamp. It is made of copper on a steel frame.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from David Syme & Co. Ltd., 14 Apr 1997
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Issued By
Mr Charles Douglas Richardson, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1899
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Mint
W.H. Rocke & Co., Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1899
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Artist
Collins Street, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1899-1969
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Place & Date Depicted
Museum of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1985-1992
Displayed in the Story of Victoria Exhibition -
Deity Depicted
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
1850 mm (Length), 1000 mm (Width), 3480 mm (Height)
Metal Base: 87.00 circ. x 60.00 high. Wood Base: 100.00 width x 36.00d. Weight: Statue - 90 Kilos. Base: 50 Kilos. Total Weight: 140 Kilograms.
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Exhibition Collection Management
3830 mm (Height), 140 (Weight)
diameter of base 905mm; height of base 100mm
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Dimensions
1850 mm (Width), 3860 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation.
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Keywords
Sculpture, Artistic Practices, Art, Artists, Public Art, Newspapers