JVV 0611
Delft, circa 1740
The rectangular plaque is painted in blue with the mythological story of Mercury and Argus. Argus is sitting under a tree, leaning on his staff as he sleeps. Behind him are three cows, and to the right is a dog. The cow on the right is Io, Jupiter's beloved. Mercury is sitting next to Argus on the ground, reaching for his sword. The scene is painted after an engraving by Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert (1596-1659) after a painting by Jacques Jordaens (1593-1678).
Dimensions: length 42 cm / 16.53 in., width 33,5 cm / 13.18 in.
Explanatory note
To conceal his extramarital affair with Io, Jupiter transformed his beloved into a cow. Jupiter's wife Juno, who was aware of this ruse, requested the cow as a gift and had her guarded by the hundred-eyed giant Argus. Jupiter could no longer bear Io's captivity and instructed Mercury to kill Argus. Mercury, disguised as a shepherd, lulled Argus to sleep with his flute-playing and is about to draw his sword and behead Argus. Io watches in the form of a cow.
website
https://artinflanders.be/nl/kunst/mercurius-en-argus-1 consulted on December 30th, 2025
