Part of an allegorical series titled Planetarum effectus et eorum in signis zodiaci (The Effects of the Planets and Their Signs in the Zodiac), which illustrates the Renaissance concept of 'Planetenkinder' (Children of the Planets). The series explores the astrological belief that celestial bodies directly govern human occupations, behaviours, and geographic regions on Earth. In this part, Mercury is riding across the sky in a chariot pulled by two birds, whilst holding his traditional staff, the caduceus. Two oval frames in the top corners contain the zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo, representing the astrological houses ruled by the planet. The landscape below portrays the earthly activities believed to be under Mercury's astrological governance, specifically focusing on commerce, communication, and entertainment. The scene details a bustling European port city, actually based on Antwerp, where merchants load and unload cargo ships at the harbour, and a crowd gathers to watch a theatrical stage performance and a travelling quack or charlatan selling remedies.