Merkur 1596

"Merkur" is an engraving by Dutch artist Jan Saenredam, dating back to 1596. The artwork depicts the Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods, standing on a pedestal in the foreground. He is surrounded by people, suggesting the importance of communication and knowledge. Mercury's pose, with his arm outstretched and holding a caduceus, symbolizes his role as a communicator. The engraving is a fine example of Saenredam's work, showcasing his attention to detail and his ability to create a dynamic scene with a strong sense of narrative. It is housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst.