Fuente de Mercurio - Seville

The sculpture was designed by the architect Asensio de Maeda, designed by Diego de Pesquera and cast by Bartolomé Morel. The ensemble was inaugurated in 1576 , in a more central location in the Plaza de San Francisco, next to the town hall that was being built at that time.

In the 17th century it was restored and by 1717 the small statue had apparently disappeared . Juan Fernández Iglesias was commissioned to repair the fountain, build a new bowl and make a copy of the Mercurius. It remained there until 1833, when it began its journey, first to the Jardines de las Delicias and then to the Casa de los Pinelo, the Jardines de Murillo and finally to the Reales Alcázares (where another fountain has already been dedicated to the god of trade).

In 1974 it was decided to rebuild the fountain on the Plaza, but to move it to the facade of the Banco de España so that it would not hinder the processions crossing the square. The architect Rafael Manzano was responsible for the design of the shell, restoring the 18th century model. As a culmination of the project, the Mercury was moved from the Alcázar to the new fountain, returning to the place for which it was designed four hundred years earlier.

The fountain was dedicated to the god who symbolizes trade. This fountain is so special that it has been the center of historical events such as the coronation of King Ferdinand VI in 1746. The town hall, instead of water, flowed white and red wine through the spouts during the three days of festivities.

What Mercury holds in his hand is a "caduceus" , one of the symbols representing the god of commerce, consisting of two snakes coiled around a rod. If you look for more images of the god, you will see that he always appears with this symbol given to him by Apollo.

Willem Vandenameele