{"product_id":"wedgwood-black-basalt-bust-of-mercury","title":"Wedgwood Black Basalt Bust of Mercury","description":"In this expertly rendered black basalt bust, Mercury, the fleet-footed Roman god of commerce, communication and transport, is depicted in a winged helmet on a waisted circular socle. Turned to the left, his profile is confident and youthful. This model is after John Flaxman Jr., a celebrated English sculptor, illustrator and designer, considered a leading artist in the Neoclassical style in England. The virtuosic treatment of Mercury's wavy mane is a testament to Flaxman's artistry and Wedgwood's remarkable skill as a sculptor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work is executed in black basalt, a material that is considered one of Josiah Wedgwood's most revolutionary creations. First developed in the 1760s, this rich, smooth stoneware was especially suitable for casting and was used for a myriad of items, including vases, urns and remarkable sculptural forms such as this bust. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impressed uppercase mark on back and socle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 11 1\/8\" wide x 10 1\/4\" deep x 17 1\/2“ high","brand":"MSR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50275039314210,"sku":"31-4246","price":7850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0961\/6710\/0706\/files\/31-4246_1.png?v=1756231887","url":"https:\/\/banksyarts.com\/products\/wedgwood-black-basalt-bust-of-mercury","provider":"The Louvre of America","version":"1.0","type":"link"}