Mercurius en een nar c. 1700 - 1720

"Mercurius en een nar" (c. 1700-1720) is an etching by Dutch artist Andries van (Sr.) Buysen, now in the Rijksmuseum. The print depicts the Roman god Mercury flying above a group of figures, including a jester holding a book labeled "CYM-BA-LUM DI.", symbolizing the connection between music and divine power. Mercury's winged sandals and the clouds illustrate his swiftness and association with the heavens, creating a dramatic contrast with the earthbound figures below. The dynamic composition and detailed lines create a sense of energy and movement, typical of Dutch Baroque art.