Mercurius 1830 - 1831

"Mercurius" is an etching by Dutch artist Dirk Jurriaan Sluyter, created between 1830 and 1831. The artwork depicts a scene where two individuals are seated and discussing a statue of the Roman god Mercury, who stands atop a pedestal in the background. The etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the artistic discourse of the 19th century, where classical figures and themes continued to inspire artists. The composition, with its focus on the seated figures and the statue, emphasizes the importance of artistic study and the role of classical mythology in shaping artistic ideas.