Ancient Greek and Roman Myths Notes

Hermes (Latin Mercury), the son of Zeus and Maia. Zeus appointed him the messenger of the Olympian Gods. He is most frequently depicted wearing winged shoes and a large-brimmed hat and carrying the winged staff, the symbol of his position. He is a patron of merchants and thieves.
See: François Boucher. Mercury Confiding the Infant Bacchus to the Nymphs.
Correggio Mercury with Venus and Cupid.
Peter Paul Rubens Argus and Mercury.