Mercury and Two Allegorical Figures was carved by limestone sculptor Henry Saunders between 1896 and 1897. The sculpture was formerly located atop Indiana National Bank Building at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and South Pennsylvania from 1897-1970. The INB building was designed by August C. Bohlen, and was razed in 1970.
The sculpture features the figure of the Roman god Mercury, who often represents Commerce, with winged helmet and sandals crouched behind two seated female figures. ... view more »
Mercury and Two Allegorical Figures was carved by limestone sculptor Henry Saunders between 1896 and 1897. The sculpture was formerly located atop Indiana National Bank Building at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and South Pennsylvania from 1897-1970. The INB building was designed by August C. Bohlen, and was razed in 1970.
The sculpture features the figure of the Roman god Mercury, who often represents Commerce, with winged helmet and sandals crouched behind two seated female figures. The figure to his proper right, representing Industry, has a cogwheel beneath her proper right hand. The figure to his proper left has what appears to be a windlass (a winch used by ships to hoist anchors) at her proper left. The interpretation of this figure is ambiguous: she could represent either Trade or Exploration, both associated with commerce. Both seated figures are barefoot and wear draped gowns.
The limestone sculpture now sits on a concrete base in the plaza just north of Regions Tower at One Indiana Square.
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