Vignette with Mercury, "Erudit et Ditat" 1722

Curator: This is Bernard Picart’s "Vignette with Mercury, Erudit et Ditat." Look closely at the crisp lines of the engraving, now at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The composition is intriguing—Mercury, the fleet-footed messenger, seems to be bursting out of a doorway. The contrast between the dark interior and the bright, maritime scene is quite striking. Curator: The phrase "Erudit et Ditat" translates to "It enriches and endows," likely referencing how commerce and knowledge benefit society, a popular theme of the era. Notice the caduceus, a symbol of trade, in Mercury's hand, linking him to both learning and commerce. Editor: The meticulous rendering really captures the values of the merchant class in the 18th century. It is a fascinating insight into the period’s understanding of wealth and wisdom. Curator: It’s interesting to consider how the design, using a limited palette, achieves depth and complexity. Editor: A small, powerful piece reflecting the spirit of its time.