Mercury dressed in a futtering robe standing on a staircase 1548 - 1612

This red chalk drawing by Italian artist Bernardino Poccetti depicts Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, trade, and travel. The figure is rendered in an elegant, naturalistic style with anatomical detail. Mercury is shown standing on a staircase, wearing a flowing robe and holding a staff in his left hand, and his right hand gestures upwards, perhaps indicating his ascent. Poccetti, who was active in Florence and Rome, was known for his drawings, which served as studies for his paintings. This drawing is a testament to Poccetti's skill in capturing the human form with grace and precision. It is a fine example of the classical style, as seen in the depiction of a mythological figure in a grand pose.