Merkur 1550 - 1650

Anthony van Dyck made this ink drawing of the Roman god Mercury in the 17th century. Van Dyck was one of the foremost portraitists of his era, and moved in the elevated circles of the European aristocracy. This image reflects the period’s fascination with classical antiquity, where gods and heroes served as ideals of beauty and strength. We see Mercury represented as a youthful, athletic figure, his nudity a nod to classical artistic traditions. Van Dyck’s expert use of line and shadow gives depth and volume to Mercury’s form. The drawing seems to capture a moment of contemplation. Yet, these representations were often far removed from the realities experienced by many. The idealized male form contrasted sharply with the lives of ordinary people. Van Dyck's patrons certainly admired such depictions, but their understanding of the human body was likely very different. This image invites us to consider not only the artistic skill of the artist, but also the societal values and power structures that shaped artistic creation at the time.