Attributes of the Arts with a Bust of Mercury 1728

Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin composed this still life in oil on canvas, sometime in the mid-18th century. The pigment is applied with clear attention to the tactile qualities of each object, from the smooth marble of the Mercury bust to the rough texture of the books. Chardin evokes an entire artistic ecosystem. Mercury was the Roman messenger god, suggesting both commerce and communication - the trade in ideas. The bust anchors the composition, surrounded by instruments of intellectual and artistic endeavor: books, scrolls, and drawing tools. The close attention to the surfaces creates an immersive experience. In his time, Chardin broke from the grandiosity of the court, choosing instead to depict the quiet dignity of everyday life. By focusing on the well-worn tools of creative production, he elevates the labor involved in both art and craft. It encourages us to appreciate the skill, time, and effort required to produce any work of lasting value.