Mercury and Battus

"Mercury and Battus," painted by Francisque Millet in 1679, depicts the mythological encounter between the messenger god Mercury and the mortal Battus, who is transformed into stone for his betrayal. The work exemplifies Millet's skill in capturing dynamic figures and classical themes, reflecting the artistic trends of the French Baroque period.

"Mercury and Battus" by Francisque Millet, created in 1679, depicts the mythological encounter between the messenger god Mercury and the mortal Battus, rendered in oil on canvas. The composition features dynamic figures, with Mercury portrayed in a flowing drapery that emphasizes movement, while Battus is depicted in a more static pose, set against a lush, naturalistic background that enhances the narrative tension of the scene.