Mercurius 1528 - 1583

Etienne Delaune’s engraving presents Mercurius amidst a wealth of symbols, each resonating with cultural memory. Mercurius, or Hermes, is depicted with his caduceus, a symbol of commerce and negotiation, standing above a rooster, an animal closely associated with dawn and vigilance. Consider the caduceus: two snakes intertwining a staff, echoing ancient symbols of healing and balance, but also deceit. This symbol evolves through time, from its roots in ancient Greece to modern interpretations. The rooster too, shifts in meaning across cultures, embodying courage, but also arrogance. These symbols, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, trigger subconscious associations. They point to the cyclical nature of symbols, which are not static, but in constant flux, shaped by the currents of history and the depths of human psychology.