Mercury
1569
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1569
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a winged man holding a staff with two snakes and a globe. He’s dressed like a Roman soldier, standing over two small figures—a baby and a toddler—and a woman lying on the ground. The background has a building and a palm tree, while the man’s face looks serious and focused. The title says *Mercury*, which was the Roman god of messengers and trade. The globe and winged hat were his symbols, linking him to speed and knowledge. Look up etching to see how artists like Bruyn made prints like this.