Mercury and Herse 1605

"Mercury and Herse" is a 1605 oil painting by Adam Elsheimer. This painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology, where Mercury, the messenger of the gods, flies down from the heavens to warn Herse of her impending danger. The scene takes place in a dramatic landscape with towering cliffs, winding pathways, and distant towns. The figures are rendered in a realistic style, and the painting's composition is both balanced and dynamic. Elsheimer is known for his mastery of light and atmosphere, which he uses to create a sense of depth and realism.