Into the Green Recessed Woods They Flew 1885

Will Hicock Low rendered this watercolor titled "Into the Green Recessed Woods They Flew," where we see a winged god embracing a maiden as they journey into a dense forest. The winged sandals immediately identify the male figure as Mercury, the Roman messenger god, whose Greek counterpart is Hermes. This symbol of swiftness and transition, wings, has been with us since ancient Mesopotamia, representing spiritual ascension. Observe how Low uses the wings not merely as an attribute but as an integral part of Mercury's being. This recalls Botticelli's "Primavera," where Mercury's dynamism disrupts the tranquil scene, or even ancient Egyptian depictions of deities like Isis with feathered wings that underscore their divine nature. The gentle embrace, the serene woods—these motifs speak of a deeper longing for union and escape. This echoes through time, appearing in different guises, from romantic paintings to contemporary art installations. Such imagery stirs something ancient within us, tapping into our collective memories of love, nature, and the eternal quest for transcendence.