Plate XXXVIII (38): Mercury, from "Museum Florentinum" (Statuae antiquae dorum et virorum illustrium) 1734

Carlo Gregori created this print of Mercury for the "Museum Florentinum" in the mid-18th century. The dominant experience is one of classical serenity, rendered through the cool precision of engraved lines. Mercury is depicted nude, leaning casually against a tree trunk. The composition adheres to classical ideals, emphasizing balance and idealized human form. Lines define the contours of Mercury’s body, creating a sense of volume and musculature. The texture is smooth, mirroring the marble-like appearance of classical sculpture it emulates. Yet, the print transcends mere reproduction. Gregori engages with Enlightenment ideas, using the print medium to democratize access to classical art. The engraving challenges notions of authenticity and originality, prompting us to reconsider how meaning is constructed and disseminated through images. Note the formal tension between the subject's sensuality and the intellectual coolness of the print. This interplay invites continuous questioning of aesthetic and cultural values.