Artwork preview

Mercury

Hendrik Goltzius after Polidoro da Caravaggio

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an individual standing in a classical contrapposto pose with one arm bent and the other holding a staff. The person has a muscular physique and distinctive facial features with short, curly hair. The head is adorned with a flat cap with winged embellishments. A flowing cloth drapes over one shoulder and falls to cover part of the lower body. The individual holds a staff with twin snakes and wings, a caduceus. The person wears winged sandals. The figure is set within an ornate niche with architectural details such as columns and friezes. In the background, there are two winged figures on the arch and additional classical patterns.

Artwork Details

Date
probably 1592
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
3214 × 5297 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original