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Ignorance and Mercury (an allegory of Virtue and Vice), Mercury kneeling at right... ca
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Ignorance and Mercury (an allegory of Virtue and Vice), Mercury kneeling at right... ca
Ignorance and Mercury (an allegory of Virtue and Vice), Mercury kneeling at right holding a staff and taking the hand of a man who emerges from a pile of naked bodies, at left a tree with the torso and head of a woman (Daphne), ca. 1490-1525
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Media ID 23875593
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Allegorical Brescia Giovanni Antonio Da Caduceus Daphne Dead Dead Bodies Dead Body Giovanni Antonio Da Brescia Hand Gestures Hermes Holding Hands Ignorance Laurel Leaves Laurel Tree Leaf Leaves Mercury Metamorphosis Nudes Staff Trench Vice Virtue Walking Staff Weird Allegorical Figure Posture
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The photograph captures a mesmerizing print titled "Ignorance and Mercury (an allegory of Virtue and Vice)" by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia. In this allegorical masterpiece, the artist skillfully portrays the eternal struggle between good and evil. At first glance, our eyes are drawn to Mercury, the messenger of the gods, kneeling at the right side of the image. Holding a staff in one hand and extending his other hand towards a man emerging from a pile of naked bodies, he symbolizes guidance and enlightenment. On the left side stands an intriguing tree with Daphne's torso and head intertwined within its branches. This alludes to her metamorphosis into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's advances in Greek mythology. The presence of this mythological figure adds depth to the artwork's narrative. The black-and-white engraving creates an ethereal ambiance that enhances our perception of virtue battling vice. The stark contrast emphasizes both lightness and darkness as they intertwine throughout human existence. Giovanni Antonio da Brescia masterfully combines religious symbolism with elements from classical mythology, inviting viewers on a journey through time and space. Through his intricate details, we witness not only physical nudity but also vulnerability exposed by ignorance or illuminated by knowledge. This print is housed within The Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a testament to humanity's ongoing quest for understanding morality amidst chaos. It serves as an enduring reminder that choices made can lead either towards enlightenment or down paths paved with vice – ultimately shaping our destinies.
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