Mercury

Sebald Beham

National Gallery of Art

The image displays a person standing in a regal position. The person is wearing a helmet with wing-like projections on top and a classical short tunic, cinched at the waist, with a cloak fastened at the shoulder. Their face is turned slightly to the side, with distinct facial features, comprising sharp eyes and a defined jawline. The individual has short hair peeking out from beneath the helmet. They are holding a caduceus in their left hand, a staff with two serpents intertwined, and small wings at the top. A sea creature with a human upper body and a fish-like lower half, holds a flower at the person's feet. Two cherubic figures are playfully interacting at the person's side. The background includes Latin inscriptions and astrological symbols, with a plain textured backdrop extending behind the figures.