Fireback with the God Mercury - firebacks

Description

This perfectly square fireback is decorated with a central medallion, surrounded by a circle of pearls, on a backdrop of Rocaille leaves and volutes.
The central character is Mercury, the Roman God of travelers, protector of thieves and of commerce, and patron of the arts. Recognizable by his caduceus (a herald's staff with two entwined snakes), his small round hat (calles “petasus”), his winged sandals and the purses of money in his hand. He is accompanied by a cockeral, herald of a new day, one of his animal symbols. The cockerel also symbolises the long and late hours needed to acquire knowledge in science.