Mercurius als god van de geleerdheid en handel 1722

This 1722 engraving by Dutch artist Bernard Picart, titled "Mercurius als god van de geleerdheid en handel" (Mercury as the God of Learning and Trade), depicts the Roman god Mercury flying between a library and a bustling harbor scene. The image highlights Mercury's dual roles as messenger of the gods and patron of commerce. The ornate frame further emphasizes the importance of knowledge and trade. This intricate etching, now held in the Rijksmuseum, showcases Picart's mastery of detail and his ability to capture the dynamism of mythology within a meticulously crafted composition.