Mercurius 1695

This 1695 engraving by an anonymous artist depicts the Roman messenger god Mercurius. Mercurius, the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Hermes, is shown in flight, his winged sandals and caduceus, a staff with two snakes, clearly visible. The image is framed by a circle, with a scene of heavenly figures above, a composition suggesting the god’s swift ascension to the heavens. The detailed etching technique creates a sense of depth and motion, highlighting Mercurius's powerful presence and his role as a bringer of messages between the gods and humans.