Mercury Giving a Lyre to Apollo c. 16th century

Editor: This is Carlo Cesio's "Mercury Giving a Lyre to Apollo." The etching shows Mercury bestowing the instrument to Apollo. I’m really struck by how fluid and elegant the lines are. What story do you think Cesio is trying to tell? Curator: Well, isn't it just divine? Cesio's delicate lines really capture the mythological drama, don't they? Notice the almost dance-like pose, as though the lyre is a baton being passed between these gods. It speaks to the very essence of artistic inspiration, doesn’t it? Editor: It does feel like a beautiful moment of artistic inspiration, I hadn't thought of it that way! Curator: Exactly! It's almost as if Cesio wants us to imagine the music being created right then and there.