Allegorie op de handel met Mercurius 17th century

This 17th-century etching by Gerard de Lairesse, titled *Allegorie op de handel met Mercurius*, depicts the Roman god Mercury, patron of commerce, standing on a pedestal adorned with a coat of arms. The scene showcases the god in a grandiose pose, holding a caduceus and overseeing a bustling marketplace. The intricate details of the engraving, including the bustling crowd and the distant cityscape, highlight the importance of trade during the Dutch Golden Age. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the artistic and intellectual climate of the period, blending classical mythology with contemporary themes.