De planeet Mercurius en zijn invloed op de wereld 1585

"De planeet Mercurius en zijn invloed op de wereld" (The planet Mercury and its influence on the world) is a 1585 engraving by Johann Sadeler I. The artwork depicts Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and travel, riding in a chariot drawn by two winged creatures. Mercury holds a caduceus, a symbol of his authority. Below him is a depiction of a bustling port city, likely meant to represent the influence of Mercury on trade and commerce. The engraving, like many other prints by Sadeler I, is a combination of allegorical and realistic elements, reflecting the artistic trends of the 16th century. The piece, now located in the Rijksmuseum, is a great example of Sadeler's skill in combining detailed and intricate illustrations with a sense of visual storytelling.