Hermes2.0086_Jordaens

Jacques Jordaens (1593-1678) and Frans Snyders (1579-1657), "The Gifts of the Sea" (1640/50); oil on canvas (269 x 377 cm), LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna, inv. GE 2563, acquired in 2020 by Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein.

Hermes/Mercury presides over dual bounties of vibrant flesh — the naked merfolk and the fruits of the sea — teeming in this expression of Jordaen's active imagination. The painting has obvious elements of the greatest Dutch still-life masterpieces; but, these are set out by the marine divinities who have provided. These are depicted with such highly plausible verism that you think these must be the actual fishmongers that Jordaens knew in real life ... except with their clothing on. Perhaps the two divinities triumphantly offering fat fish on their tridents represent Amphitrite and Neptune themselves.
Perhaps it's a stretch to argue that Hermes' role is this painting's most interesting feature. But, the god of commerce is perched in the scene's highest spot. With his caduceus he directs his plump, cherubic attendant in the management of Antwerp's economic livelihood.