Mercurius en de Weefkunst c. 1675

Gerard de Lairesse created this print, "Mercurius en de Weefkunst," in the late 17th or early 18th century. Here, Mercury, god of commerce, stands alongside symbols of weaving, alluding to trade and craftsmanship. Notice the winged figure trumpeting fame, a motif echoing through time from ancient Roman victories to Renaissance triumphs. The globe beneath her signifies worldwide reach, much like the ceaseless thread of commerce spanning cultures. Mercury's caduceus, intertwined snakes symbolizing negotiation, finds its roots in ancient healing practices, transformed over centuries into a symbol of diplomacy and exchange. Consider how these symbols, passed down through generations, tap into our collective memory. The act of weaving itself, a metaphor for connection and creation, evokes primal associations with security and community. Such imagery resonates deeply, stirring subconscious connections to our shared past and the enduring human drive to create and connect.