Mercurius, God of the Agora – a portrait in sequins

Hail Hermes-Mercurius, fleet-footed genius of artisans, astrologers, writers, Tarot, theatre, magic, alchemy, thieves, commerce, crossroads and every communication, connection or interaction made between one entity and another! Ruler of the zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo (who  has been known to wave a caduceus).

This new icon was completed during Mercury’s transit of Pisces, Virgo’s polarity, while the Lunar Nodes are in Virgo/Pisces. I mean, how Virgo-Pisces is obsessively hand-sewing Mercury with opalescent, shiny objects that resemble fish scales or bird feathers?

Opposing snakes frame his winged head (so full of thoughts and messages), as if his caduceus has magically come to life. Always in the middle, the etherial trickster glows with solar gold and lunar silver. The border is a design based on DNA ‘serpents’ and Argus eyes.

The original piece was a light, acrylic painting on canvas. I’d decorated it partially with sequins (eyes and background, and the four corner symbols). At one point, I removed the sequins and attempted to embroider on top, but it wasn’t right. All the visible needle holes in the painted surface meant it would have to be covered. I put it away for several years, but decided to tackle it again last Winter.

I’d purchased this beautiful trim in San Francisco, when I lived there and made my own belly dance costumes, years ago. It reminded me of Ancient Greek designs. I didn’t want to cover it, but after the middle part was finished, it didn’t match. So as a compromise, I left a bit of space for it to show through and provide another layer from behind the ‘Argus Eyes’.

My earlier sequinned tapestries are inspired largely by Haitian ‘drapo’, but this smaller piece was also influenced by painterly, Roman mosaics. It does feel like I’m ‘painting’ with sequins, sometimes applying two or three on top of each other and choosing opalescent or metallic beads to achieve the right luminosity and gradation. Mercurius reflects differently, depending on light and angle. Sunlight can give him a pinkish hue.

silver eye detail

To properly honour the god of transactions, Mercurius is for sale.

size:  approximately 11 x 13 inches, excluding chain.
materials:  sequins, glass seed beads, canvas, satin, satin ribbon, thread, wood dowel, acrylic paint, metal chain.
price:  500. CD (+ shipping)

If you are interested or have questions please send me an inquiry.
This piece is also posted on my Beaded Icons page in the ART menu.

©Copyright Roxanna Bikadoroff. Please share via LINK only, no lifting pics or written content without permission. Thanks!