This 1981 Soviet art postcard features the sculpture of Mercury (Hermes), located in one of the niches on the facade of the Odesa City Hall (former Stock Exchange).
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard shows a close-up of the sculpture of the Roman god of commerce, Mercury, set inside a deep semicircular arched niche. The nude figure is draped, wearing a winged petasos, holding a caduceus in his right hand and a money pouch in his left.
Historical note
The old Odesa Stock Exchange building on Primorsky Boulevard was constructed between 1829 and 1837, designed by architect Franz Boffo. The sculptural decorations of the facade, including the figures of Mercury (patron of trade) and Ceres (goddess of agriculture) in the niches by the main entrance, were created by sculptor Luigi Iorini to emphasize Odesa’s status as a major trading port.
Present day
Today, the historic Stock Exchange building serves as the Odesa City Council. The sculpture of Mercury, along with the statue of Ceres, has been restored and continues to decorate the facade of this monument of national architectural heritage.
Location (map)
Address: 1 Dumska Square, Odesa, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.485600, 30.744100
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Odesa City Council building (1 Dumska Square).
Questions and answers
- Where is this sculpture located? The sculpture of Mercury is located in a niche on the main facade of the Odesa City Hall (former Stock Exchange) at 1 Dumska Square.
- Who is the sculptor of this statue? The sculptural decoration of the building’s facade, including the statue of Mercury, was created by the sculptor Luigi Iorini.
- What does the statue of Mercury symbolize? The figure of Mercury, the god of commerce and trade, symbolized the commercial importance of Odesa as a prominent port city.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Odesa from 1981.
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