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Mercurius

Engraving
1529 (printed), 1523-30 (Printed)
Artist/Maker
Pencz, Georg (printmaker)
Monogrammist I. B. (Printmaker)
Place of origin
Germany (printed)

This print is from a series by Georg Pencz, an engraver active in Nuremberg in the 16th century. The engravings in the set show figures representing the various planets, accompanied by symbols and signs of the Zodiac. The characters are shown in earthly surroundings, with woods and landscapes behind them.

This print shows Mercury, a male figure, with two small putti in the corner of the image, representing the astrological sign for the twins known as Gemini.

Object details

Categories
Prints
Myths & Legends
Ornament Prints
Object type
Engraving
TitleMercurius
Materials and techniques
Engraving
Printing Ink
Engraving
Brief description
Monogrammist I. B. Mercury, one of seven plates from a suite of the seven planets. German, 1529.
Physical description
Engraving.
Dimensions
  • To plate mark height: 8.3cm
  • To plate mark width: 4.9cm
  • Cut to height: 4.8cm
  • Cut to width: 17.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • Lettered in the upper left of the plate: 'MERCVRIVS'
  • Lettered on a tablet in the lower right of the plate: 'IB / 1528'
Gallery label
SEVEN PRINTS: THE PLANETS
German, 1528, 1529
Engravings by George Pencz (about 1500-50)

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun, and the Moon were the planets of the classical world. Here they are shown as gods, with appropriate symbols and signs of the Zodiac.

E.199A-G - 1892
Subjects depicted
Astrology (Concept)
Deities
Zodiac
Planets
Mercury
Summary
This print is from a series by Georg Pencz, an engraver active in Nuremberg in the 16th century. The engravings in the set show figures representing the various planets, accompanied by symbols and signs of the Zodiac. The characters are shown in earthly surroundings, with woods and landscapes behind them.

This print shows Mercury, a male figure, with two small putti in the corner of the image, representing the astrological sign for the twins known as Gemini.
Associated objects
Bibliographic reference
Robert A. Koh, ed. The Illustrated Bartsch, 16. Early German Masters, Jacob Bink, George Pencz and Heinrich Aldegrever. New York: Abaris Books, 1981, no.16.
Collection
Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection
Accession number
E.199F-1892

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Record createdJuly 19, 2005
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O114206/mercurius-engraving-pencz-georg/
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