Plasteline model of "Mercury" for Ford Motor Company - side view

Plasteline model of "Mercury" for Ford Motor Company - side view

Artists' studios--United States.
Ford Motor Company. Mercury Division
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
Mercury (Roman deity)--Art.

The Roman god Mercury was a messenger for the gods and patron of racing and athletes. His special duty was to conduct the souls of the dead to the underworld. In time he also became the Roman god of commerce and merchants. His attributes were winged sandals, a winged cap or petasus and the caduceus, a winged staff with two serpents coiled around it.

The Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company commissioned this sculpture in 1959 to promote the 1960 Mercury. Cast in nickel, Ford Motor Company used the sculpture for advertising. The polished nickel Mercury sculptures are located at the Benson Ford Research Center on the campus of The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Central Staff Photographic

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 16 Folder 23

n.d.

Use of this image requires permission from the creator.

V-16-23

image/jpeg

Image

115945-5

Royal Oak (Mich.)

Black and white print

8" x 10"