This splendid oil painting on wood panel depicts Mercury, the messenger of the gods, hovering above the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli. At the center of the composition, Mercury is portrayed according to classical iconography: he wears winged sandals and a helmet adorned with feathers, elements that symbolize his speed and his role as a divine messenger. His figure, dynamic and slender, is placed in a blue sky that gently fades to lighter shades, creating a sense of lightness and movement. Below, the circular Temple of Vesta stands majestically, evoking classical Roman architecture and harmoniously blending into the surrounding landscape. Next to it, there is a tree that contributes to giving depth to the work, while a delicate interplay of light and shadow enriches the context. One of the distinctive features of the painting is the presence of five female figures, identified as two handmaidens and the three daughters of Cecrops, who attentively observe the arrival of Mercury and have a basket on the ground, where Erichthonius is present, a motherless child who will be taken care of by the three daughters of Cecrops (Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book II, vv. 553-564). Each figure is characterized by careful attention to detail in costumes and expressions, highlighting the important role they play in the scene. The pictorial quality is exceptional: the fluid brushstrokes and vivid colors create a lively illumination, giving life and realism to the details of the landscape and figures. Furthermore, the painting has been cradled on the back, ensuring greater stability over time and preserving its integrity. The work captures the essence of the myth and the mastery of the Roman School of the neoclassical period, typical of the late 18th century. Measurements: H x W x D 54.5 x 34 x 1.5cm