Historical information

Thomas Stoddart (1828 - 1905) bought 12 white marble statues during a visit to Italy. Stoddart arranged for them to be shipped to Victoria and placed on pedestals of Sicilian marble and on bases of Victorian granite. These statues were unveiled in the gardens on Queen Victoria's birthday, 24th May, 1884. His intention was for the statues to adorn and add interest to the gardens. Mercury is the messenger of the gods and is represented with a winged helmet and pouch.

Significance

The artwork is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Physical description

White marble figure shown with winged helmet and pouch.

Inscriptions & markings

Mercury