a web museum

 

Mercury, or The Golden Boy

Georges Gardet, Paris

1919

Each one of the four corners of the copper dome supporting the Golden Boy has a stonework grouping representing the four elements of alchemy, earth, air, fire and water. They are identified as Agriculture, Science, Industry and Art. The dome is 223 feet 7 inches (68.15 m) above the main floor. The height of the central tower without the Golden Boy is 242 feet (74 m). The statue was sculpted by Parisian artist Georges Gardet, and was first installed in 1919. The Golden Boy was last regilded and refurbished in 2002, and is illuminated by floodlights.

Inspired by the Roman God of Communications, Mercury, his formal name is Eternal Youth, but in Winnipeg he is universally known as Golden Boy.

 

Mercury, or The Golden Boy