Mercurius 1597

This anonymous engraving depicts the Roman god Mercurius, and it resides here at the Rijksmuseum. The image presents us with a wealth of historical and cultural associations. Mercurius, or Mercury, was the Roman god of commerce, communication, and boundaries. The winged helmet and sandals, as well as the caduceus - the staff entwined with serpents - are all visual cues to the god's swiftness and his role as a messenger. Images like these flourished during the Renaissance, a period when classical mythology was revived and reinterpreted. The prevalence of these images demonstrates the central role played by Humanism, a philosophical stance that emphasizes human agency and rationality. In studying this engraving, one might consult books on classical mythology, Renaissance art, and the history of engraving. This will allow a deeper understanding of the image and its connection to its cultural and institutional context.