Mercury
Mercury Mercury

By Hendrick Goltzius

Mercury, a figure from classical mythology, was a patron of the arts and a god of eloquence. Mercury’s attribute, the winged staff, here resembles a painter’s stick. Articles used for drawing lie at his feet. Behind Mercury stands a girl with her tongue sticking out, holding a rattle and a magpie. She symbolizes simple garrulousness.

Year

1611

Material

oil on canvas

Dimensions

238 x 143 x 15 cm (93 11/16 inch)

Credit

Frans Hals Museum, On long-term loan from the Mauritshuis, photo: René Gerritsen

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Mercury
Mercury Mercury

By Hendrick Goltzius