Mercury

This quick picture is part of a group of four works that all portray ancient deities. The peculiarity of the brushstroke, the thrill of the body, and the fast rendering of details place this painting, which undoubtedly depicts the god Mercurio, with the school of Emilia in the late sixteenth century, and in particular bring us to the personality of Camillo Procaccini, who lived his younger years in Emilia, between Parma, Reggio and Bologna, before later becoming very famous in Milan, the city where the Lombard Vasari was nicknamed. The major part of his opus follows a sacred theme. However, even in his depictions of scenes of the Gospel, he is above all distinguished by his homage to masters such as Raphael, Michelangelo and Parmigianino, then for the great speed, almost a race, which the different characters exhibit, as well as a truly remarkable sense of color . Here we find ourselves before an almost naked Mercury, if it were not for the mantle of a beautiful green. He holds the caduceus, and in the features of his face, that of a shrewd servant, he unequivocally exposes a debt towards the great school of Parma. However, the figure does not lack a monumental nature, as evidenced by his sinewy and tone legs, which seem ready to take off in a moment.