Mercury

Italian, ca. 1853
H. 69”
Original location: East of the front entrance steps
Location of original statue: Inman Hall

Mercury is the messenger of the gods and the protector of commerce and travelers. This makes him appropriate for a place next to the entrance. He is also the educator, and he instructs Cupid.

His attributes include winged shoes, which allow him to move quickly, and a winged cap called a petasus. In his left hand he holds a caduceus, a rod with two snakes coiled around it. It has the power to put people to sleep. In his right hand he holds out a bag of money, which refers to him as the protector of commerce.