The Hermes Drinking Fountain

Name: The Hermes Drinking Fountain

Date: unknown

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Approximate Dimensions: 7x8 feet

Sculptor: unknown

Medium: Copper

Sources of info: myself, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermes#Hermes_in_classical_art

Picture taken by Chris Carter

Significance of the work:

As the patron god of travelers, Hermes would provide care and protection for those on a journey. This sculpture in Budapest sits right atop a drinking fountain for passerbies in the street. Since Hermes cares for travelers, it is appropriate that a fountain for thirsty travelers bears his image. All that was needed was a sacrifice or a prayer. I read one article that said when a traveler bent over to drink from Hermes’ fountain, it looked as if the drinker was bowing in prayer to this god of travelers.

Council of the Gods

Title: Council of the Gods

Artist: Giovanni Lanfranco (1582-1647) and Domenico Corvi

Date: 1624-25 - Lanfranco

Finished: 1779-1782- Corvi

Medium: Fresco (paint on plaster)

Dimensions: approxametly30feet by 20 feet

Location: Sala della Loggia, Borghese Gallery, Rome, Italy

Source: http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/l/lanfranc/council.html

http://www.flashcardmachine.com/baroque-midterm.html

Image: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Lanfranco,_Giovanni_-The_Council_of_Gods_-_1624-25.jpg

Significance of the work:

This work was completed under the patron of Scipione Borghese, the same commissioner for Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne. The painting depicts the gods gathered around Jupiter in the heavenly realm. Venus is seen as the nude to the left of Jupiter, and Apollo is next to her dressed for war. The water gods are portrayed at the bottom of the painting holding the typical trident. Hermes is flying in on the right to deliver a message to Jupiter. The room would have been used as a banquet hall with the pope seated beneath Jupiter. The surrounding telamones and Lunnettes represent the rivers of the earth.

Family Tree and Chart

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