Venus and Mercury 

Nicolas Poussin painted 'Venus and Mercury' during the Baroque period, a time when artists often turned to classical mythology to explore themes of love, beauty, and the human condition. Here, the goddess Venus reclines, almost as if she is posing for a photograph, while Mercury, known for his swiftness and communication, gestures towards us. Cupid wrestles with Silenus, reminding us, perhaps, of the struggles of love. The lute and mask lying on the floor suggest a theatrical or performative aspect of the scene. The painting’s style draws from the classical tradition. Yet, by presenting a scene with mythological figures as tangible, emotional beings, Poussin invites us to reflect on our own desires. In this way Poussin’s work is not just a reflection on the art of the past, but an active engagement with the timeless themes of love, desire, and the human experience.