The Children of the Planet Mercury c. 1645

Jan Brueghel the Younger painted “The Children of the Planet Mercury” in the 17th century, using oil on a copper plate. It forms part of a series representing planetary influences on human activities. Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, communication, and learning, oversees a world bustling with scholarly and artistic pursuits. On the left, scholars pore over texts, while children practice writing. To the right, musicians tune instruments, and an allegorical statue stands guard. This wasn't merely a depiction of daily life; it reflected the values of the Flemish elite of the time. Painted in Flanders, now Belgium, this work speaks to a society deeply invested in the arts and sciences. It also reveals the interests of the Habsburg rulers, who used art to enhance their power. Institutional records from academies and patronage networks would further illuminate the social conditions that shaped its creation. The image presents an idealized version of society, one that begs the question: who was excluded from this vision of harmony and progress?