Mercury 

Sebald Beham created this engraving titled "Mercury" during the vibrant and transformative period of the Northern Renaissance. Beham was one of the German Little Masters, printmakers known for their small, intricate engravings. During the Reformation, artists navigated a changing landscape where religious imagery was being questioned and new themes were emerging. Here, Beham draws on classical mythology, depicting Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, communication, and boundaries. The figure of Mercury, with his winged helmet and caduceus, embodies the era's fascination with classical knowledge. Yet, his somewhat stout and earthbound portrayal also reflects a departure from idealized forms. Beham integrates pagan and humanist ideas into the religious and social context of 16th-century Germany. This allows us to reflect on how power, knowledge, and identity were being negotiated during this pivotal time in European history.