North Pavilion
Plaza Level
Gallery N102
European Bronzes 
1500–1600

BODY LANGUAGE
In this room you’ll find two bronze sculptures of the messenger god Mercury, also called Hermes, who was the god of science and travel as well. Gods and goddesses usually have attributes or clues that identify who they are. Mercury has several attributes: he often wears a cap and shoes with wings, and he sometimes holds a special stick entwined with two snakes called a caduceus. This stick gave him the power to go anywhere.

#1	WITH a partner, LOOK carefully around the room and FIND two sculptures of Mercury. (Look for his attributes described above.)
#2	ANSWER the questions below.
Different artists in Italy made these two sculptures. As you look at each sculpture, write down four words to describe Mercury’s body, movement, expression, or feeling:
Mercury #1					Mercury #2				
1.							1.
2.							2.
3.							3.
4.							4.
What are three ways the sculptures are the same? What are three ways they are different from each other? 
Same						Different						
1.							1.			
2.							2.
3.							3. 

Sculptures are generally three-dimensional--meant to be seen from many angles. Choose one of the two sculptures and with your partner look at it from different angles. Discuss how your view changes as you move around it. Is one angle better than another? Where’s the best place to stand to view the sculpture? Share your ideas as a group.
DRAW one of the two sculptures from your favorite angle on the back of this page.