Title Page to Hermes Theologus or New Descants Upon Old Records, Theoph. Woodnote

Unknown Artist

National Gallery of Art

This image features an allegorical scene with religious and mythological symbolism. In the central panel, Hermes, the Greek messenger god, is depicted holding a staff with entwined snakes, surrounded by clouds. Above him are inscriptions and an illustration of a hand pointing to books labeled "The Testa New ment" and "The Testa Old ment." Surrounding Hermes are four smaller panels labeled as The Christian, The Jew, The Turke, and The Pagan, each paired with scriptural references and depictions of individuals in traditional or symbolic attire. The composition conveys a discourse on religious themes and ideologies, with detailed engravings and text typical of scholarly or philosophical works from the Renaissance or early modern period.