This splendid oil painting on a wooden tablet 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 swiftness and his role as a divine messenger. His dynamic and slender figure is set against a blue sky that gently fades into lighter tones, creating a sensation 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, a tree adds depth to the artwork, while a delicate interplay of light and shadow enriches the context. One of the distinguishing features of the painting is the presence of five female figures, identified as two maids and the three daughters of Cecrops, who attentively observe Mercury's arrival and have a basket on the ground, in which there is Erichthonius, a motherless child who will be cared for by the three daughters of Cecrops (Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book II, vv. 553-564). Each figure is characterized by careful attention to detail in their 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. Additionally, the painting has been paneled on the back, ensuring greater stability over time and preserving its integrity. The artwork 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