314: MONUMENTAL BRONZE FIGURE OF MERCURY AFTER GIAMBOLOGNA

(Circa 1900.)
The fine and unusually large example after the work by Italian sculptor Giambologna (1529-1608) is joined to its short Verde Alpi marble pedestal base by a central iron spindle. This assembly is displayed on a larger, matching, floor standing Verde Alpi marble pedestal with square base and top for a total height of 7 1/2 feet. The sculpture is unmarked.

This figure, and another just like it, stood near the main entrance to Emery, Bird, Thayer - Kansas City's largest and most famous department store from the late 19th century to the early 1960s.

EBT's earliest roots can be traced to the 1860s and the outfitting of travelers on the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails, Through a number of transitions and new investors, the concern evolved to eventually became Emery, Bird, Thayer, and in 1889 moved to its famous six-story Romanesque building that occupied a full block of East 11th Street from Walnut to Grand in the Petticoat Lane District of Kansas City.
In multiple parts, the figure on its original marble assembly stands at a total height of approximately 92 inches.

One three-piece Verde Alpi marble pedestal measures 33.5 inches high, with 13-inch square top and base.

The bronze figure measures approximately 45 inches high and is constructed to join its 13.5 inch high Verde Alpi marble pedestal via an iron spindle through the base of the bronze sculpture.
Very good condition throughout, no damage, repair or heavy wear. There are two marble edge flakes as shown in the images. The figure stands very true and sturdy, there are no issues of damage or repair.
Provenance: The collection of Josephine Bird Hall (1888 - 1948) by descent to her son, the present owner. Josephine's father was a founder of Kansas City's Emery, Bird, Thayer Department Store.
$4,000 - $6,000