Trade and Shipping allegory in Brussels, Belgium

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This exquisite marble sculpture captures two children in a poignant depiction titled Handel en Scheepvaart (eng. Trade and Shipping) by the ingenious Belgian sculptor Gilles-Lambert Godecharle, dating back to 1784. The allegorical representation of Trade and Shipping is effortlessly conveyed through two youthful figures, one donning a winged hat and grasping a caduceus, unmistakably identifying him as god Mercury (or Hermes); the other child sits serenely upon a hay bale. Gilles-Lambert Godecharle was born on December 2, 1750, in Brussels, where he would eventually meet his demise on February 24, 1835. This Belgian sculptor was a devoted pupil of Laurent Delvaux, who stood as the only internationally renowned sculptor within Delvaux's inner circle. Godecharle's artistic prowess soon earned him recognition as one of two outstanding Neoclassicism representatives in the Austrian Netherlands. In response to his early promise, Empress Maria Theresa awarded him a stipend, allowing him to travel for further studies, first to Paris and then to Rome. Godecharle received official commissions from Napoleon and William I of the Netherlands, yielding some of his most notable works. His pediment sculptures for the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate of the Austrian Netherlands, now the Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels (1781-82), stand as his most prominent public commission. Today, a meticulous copy preserves his original models at the Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique in Brussels. However, a significant portion of Godecharle's output was comprised of portrait busts. Godecharle's son, Napoleon Godecharle, left an essential part of their family fortune to the City of Brussels, thereby establishing the Prix Godecharle for painters, sculptors, and architects. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have intriguing items surrounding you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.