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Mercury kills Argus, 17th century (drawing)
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Mercury kills Argus, 17th century (drawing)
3125033 Mercury kills Argus, 17th century (drawing) by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606-69); (add.info.: Mercury kills Argus. On the left the cow. Jo, Zeus mistress, was transformed by Juno in a white cow out of jealousy and guarded by the hundred-eyed giant Argos. The same tethered the animal to an olive tree. But then Hermes appeared, sent by Zeus, lulled the Argos by lovely flute playing, decapitated his head, and then led away the freed Jo. Pen drawing in brown ink.
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669); Dutch School); © Purix Verlag Volker Christen
Media ID 33390192
© © Purix Verlag Volker Christen / Bridgeman Images
17th Centuries Ancient Greeks Art Fine Art Diety Divinities Eternal Father Flemish School Godess Heavenly Father Hermes Mercury God Mercury Hermes Mytholoy Rembrandt Rembrandt 1606 1669 Rembrandt Harmensz Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn Rembrandt Van Ryn 1606 1669 Van Rijn 1606 69 17 17th 17th 17th Xvii 18th Century Antique Greece Circa 1600 Divinity Dutch Netherlands Early 17th Century Early Xvii Century Flemish Art Flemish Artist Goddesses Hollander Hollanders Mythological Character Mythological Figure Myths Netherland Netherlands Holland Dutch Seventeeth Century The Netherland
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 17th-century drawing by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, titled "Mercury kills Argus" transports us to the ancient world of Greek mythology. The scene depicts a pivotal moment in the tale of Jo, the white cow who was once Zeus' mistress and transformed into her bovine form by Juno out of jealousy. Guarded by the hundred-eyed giant Argos and tethered to an olive tree, Jo's fate seemed sealed. However, hope arrives in the form of Hermes, also known as Mercury, sent by Zeus himself. With his enchanting flute playing, Hermes lulls Argos into a deep slumber before swiftly decapitating him. This act sets Jo free from her captivity and marks Mercury as both hero and executioner. Rembrandt's pen drawing in brown ink beautifully captures this dramatic mythological event with meticulous detail and skillful composition. The artist's mastery is evident in every stroke as he brings these legendary figures to life on paper. As we gaze upon this artwork, we are reminded of the enduring power of ancient myths and their ability to inspire generations across centuries. Rembrandt's interpretation not only showcases his technical prowess but also highlights his profound understanding of storytelling through art. This print serves as a testament to Rembrandt van Rijn's status as one of history's greatest artists within the Dutch School tradition. It invites us to delve into classical antiquity while marveling at the artistic genius that continues to captivate audiences today.
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