Still life with attributes of the arts Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

In this still life painting, the artist presents a collection of objects arranged on a dark, worn surface, likely a desk or shelf. Dominating the center is a white marble bust of a young man wearing a helmet with wings, reminiscent of Mercury, the messenger god associated with commerce, travelers, and thieves.
Surrounding the bust are various tools and materials related to art and scholarship. To the left, stacks of papers, some unbound and others in portfolios, are visible, along with a few books, one with a striking red cover. A protractor and a compass are arranged near the bust, implying architectural or mathematical design. Further to the right, more scrolls and rolled papers are stacked, suggesting ongoing projects or studies. A long, gray cylindrical object, possibly a drawing tube, lies horizontally.
The background is dimly lit and textured, with faint outlines of figures or objects that are difficult to discern, adding to the intimate and perhaps contemplative atmosphere. The lighting primarily falls on the bust and the surrounding papers, creating soft shadows that enhance the tactile quality of the objects.
The title, Still life with attributes of the arts, and the presence of the bust of Mercury strongly point to the theme of intellectual pursuits and artistic creation. Mercury, as a god of communication and trade, can also symbolize the exchange of ideas and knowledge. The tools of art and science – books, papers, drafting instruments – further reinforce this interpretation, suggesting a space dedicated to learning, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge. The painting seems to celebrate these endeavors by bringing together symbolic representations of study and artistic production.