The Attributes of the Arts and the Rewards Which Are Accorded Them Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

In this still life, painted by an unknown artist, the central figure is a classical sculpture of Mercury, the Roman messenger god, reaching down to adjust his winged sandal. He is seated on a globe adorned with what appear to be constellations, suggesting his connection to the celestial realm and travel.
Surrounding Mercury is an array of objects that symbolize the liberal arts and the rewards of intellectual pursuit. To the left, a stack of books bound in red signifies knowledge and learning. Beside them is a painters palette, brushes, and a metal cup, representing the visual arts. A dark blue sash, embroidered with a star-shaped cross medal, lies draped over the books and extends towards the foreground, indicating honors and recognition.
On the right, more books, one a vibrant red, are accompanied by rolled-up scrolls and blueprints, suggesting architecture, engineering, or cartography. A dark, ornate jug with figures sculpted onto its handles sits prominently, adding a touch of decorative art and craftsmanship. The overall composition is arranged on a wooden surface, bathed in a dramatic chiaroscuro light that highlights the textures and forms of each object.
The paintings subtext revolves around the commemoration of intellectual and artistic achievements. The inclusion of Mercury, the god of commerce, eloquence, and travelers, along with tools of various arts and sciences, suggests the value placed on human creativity, knowledge, and the recognition these endeavors deserve. The medal, in particular, points to the tangible rewards and accolades that artists and scholars might receive for their contributions. The globe beneath Mercury further emphasizes the universal and global reach of these pursuits.