This statue in the Ministers' Courtyard at the Palace of Versailles features the caduceus the traditional symbol of Hermes, the messenger of the gods (the Roman equivalent is Mercury). The winged staff features two snakes winding around and facing each other. It is often mistaken for the Rod of Asclepius which is the symbol of medicine.
The associations of the caduceus in ancient times were the talents expected of politicians: trade, economics, eloquence, negotiation (and when those failed ... trickery).
The observant and expectant crow on the staff bearer's shoulder ... well, someone has to benefit from failed negotiations!
OJ
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