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Mercury, Ceres and Neptune (Mercurius, Ceres en Neptunus)

Philip Enthoven

About this artwork.

The Korenbeurs ('Grain Exchange'), as the name suggests, was the place where grain was traded. The current stock exchange building dates from 1867. Three statues of classical gods have been placed in and on the neoclassical facade.

Mercury, god of trade, stands on the ridge of the Korenbeurs. Mercury means quicksilver. On his head he wears a winged helmet and in his hand he holds the herald's staff, wrapped with snakes and equipped with wings. At his feet lies a globe.

To the left of the entrance is Neptune, god of water. On the right Ceres, goddess of agriculture. Neptune can be recognized by its trident. With his left hand he holds the leash of the sea horse that lies at his feet, thus expressing his dominion over the water and what lives in it. Ceres also has a number of attributes that make it recognizable. She is holding a bundle of grain stalks and a sickle, and at her feet is a basket for the grain and a harrow for tilling the land. Together these three figures symbolize the significance of trade, maritime shipping and agriculture for the city of Groningen.

The statues, which are more than two meters high, are cast in zinc. A technique that came into use at the end of the nineteenth century because it was cheaper than bronze and stronger than cast iron. The statues were designed by Philip Enthoven, member of the L.J. firm. Enthoven & Co. from The Hague, who was responsible for the casting. He put his name on Neptune's seahorse.

Restoration

The fact that the statues are still there is special, especially considering the fact that many statues were melted down for the war industry during the Second World War. After 155 years, the three gods appeared to be in very poor technical condition at the Korenbeurs. Several parts were missing and the soldered connections of the cast zinc parts had come loose in many places.

Zinc and copper company Idefix was asked to restore the statues. The dismantling of the statues in 2022 was quite drastic because they were secured during installation by filling the bottom of the hollow statue with cement. It was very special that when Ceres was loosened, grains of wheat were found in the cement and shells were found in Neptune! When the statues were placed, an attempt was made to appease the gods. Nothing was found at Mercury because this image had already been given a new base in 1987. For example, it is not known whether coins were found in the base.

 

The cast zinc parts were re-soldered for the restoration. All missing parts were recreated. The photos of the three works that were taken shortly after they were made were very useful. Ceres now has her sickle and bundle of grain stalks again, Neptune has two feet again, and his sea horse has a tail. Mercury has winged shoes again. The statues have also been given a new coat of paint. In 2023, the three will be placed back on and in front of the Korenbeurs, ready for the coming century.

Part of route.

Location.

Akerkhof 1

View on the map

Facts & Figures.

  • Design
    Philip Enthoven

  • District
    Centrum

  • Year of creation
    1865

  • Art type
    Art in / on a building

  • Material
    Zinc

  • Dimensions
    h 2,25 m