Mercury Departing from Antwerp * Theodoor Van Thulden

The composition presents a figure in dynamic motion, seemingly ascending from a dark, grounded base into a cloudy sky. He is depicted as a youthful male, powerfully built and largely unclothed, save for a crimson cloak that billows dramatically behind him. His posture suggests an active departure; one leg is raised, propelling him upwards while the other remains planted on what appears to be a large, roughly hewn stone or platform.
The figure holds attributes indicative of a messenger deity: a winged helmet adorns his head and a caduceus – a staff entwined with serpents – is held aloft in one hand. The gesture is expansive, as if signaling or initiating something beyond the immediate scene. A scattering of flowers drifts around him, adding a touch of lightness to the otherwise forceful movement.
Below, clustered around the base upon which he stands, are several cherubic figures. They appear engaged in various activities: one holds a cluster of grapes, another brandishes what looks like a flaming torch or scepter, and yet another seems to be offering a ribbon or garland. The presence of these putti introduces an element of festivity and celebration, softening the intensity of the central figure’s departure.
The lower portion of the composition reveals further symbolic elements. A scattering of grapes and foliage is strewn across the base, reinforcing themes of abundance and prosperity. A partially obscured inscription runs along the bottom edge, its legibility diminished by the darkness, but hinting at a commemorative or dedicatory purpose. Beyond this immediate foreground, a glimpse of water and distant land suggests a connection to travel and exploration.
The overall effect is one of transition and departure, imbued with connotations of commerce, communication, and perhaps even divine favor. The contrast between the dark base and the bright sky emphasizes the figure’s ascent, suggesting a movement from earthly concerns towards something higher or more significant. The cherubic figures contribute to an atmosphere of joyous farewell, while the symbolic objects – the caduceus, grapes, and inscription – add layers of meaning related to prosperity, trade, and remembrance.