An etching by Claude Gillot, 'Mercury and the Shades of the Dead' depicts Mercury guiding souls to the underworld. The print showcases Gillot's theatrical style and skill in capturing movement and emotion.

This etching by Claude Gillot (1673-1722) depicts Mercury, the Roman messenger god, guiding souls to the underworld. Gillot, a French painter, decorator, and printmaker, is known for his theatrical and decorative style, which bridges the late Baroque and early Rococo periods. He trained under Jean-Baptiste Corneille and was an influence on Antoine Watteau. The print, titled 'Mercure & les Ombres' (Mercury and the Shades), illustrates a scene with Mercury, identifiable by his winged helmet and caduceus, leading a group of figures through a dark, rocky terrain. These figures, the 'shades' or spirits of the dead, are depicted with varying expressions of sorrow and resignation. The composition is characterised by fine, delicate lines, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The scene is framed by the text 'Fables Nouvelles, Fable Treiziesme', suggesting it is an illustration from a book of fables. Gillot's skill in capturing movement and emotion is evident in the figures' gestures and expressions, making this a compelling example of early 18th-century French printmaking.