Mercury
sebaldbeham
toned paper
light pencil work
pen sketch
pencil sketch
personal sketchbook
pen-ink sketch
pen work
sketchbook drawing
sketchbook art
pencil art
This engraving, "Mercury", depicts the Roman god Mercury, known for his swiftness, eloquence, and commerce. Created by the German artist Sebald Beham, a prolific engraver of the 16th century, the work showcases Mercury standing in a cloud-filled sky, holding a caduceus (a staff with intertwined snakes) and a flute. The inscription below, "Mercatorum Fautour" (patron of merchants), highlights his association with trade. The surrounding cherubs further emphasize his role as a messenger of the gods, symbolizing the swiftness of his travels. Beham's masterful use of line and detail captures the dynamism and grace of the god, making this a powerful visual representation of a central figure in Roman mythology.
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