This is a very fine antique Continental pen and ink, and wash drawing. It is unsigned but on stylistic evidence, I am dating it to the 18th century. It is certainly a lovely sheet and the drawing is beautifully rendered - and in fine condition.
The subject is a mythological scene featuring Mercury and Argus. This was a popular theme with North European artists. This composition is close to that in the oil painting by Rubens in the Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresen, Germany.
The episode is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The story tells how Zeus fell in love with the maiden Io. When his wife, Hera discovers his affair - he fears repercussions. He quickly transforms the maiden into a heifer. Hera discovers his ploy and requests the heifer as a gift. She assigns Argus as watchman, to make sure that the heifer does not escape her.
Argus Panoptes was a giant who had one hundred eyes on his body. He was considered an excellent watchman because his eyes were always open and he never fell asleep.
However, Zeus plans to re-capture his calf and sends Mercury to get it back. Mercury was one of the cleverest of the Olympian Gods - and was also known as a trickster and thief. He brought the souls of the dead to the underworld - and was celebrated as a god of sleep. So a perfect choice in the capture of the heifer.
Mercury plays his pipe and the music slowly lulls Argus to sleep and slowly one by one all his eyes close. Mercury then takes off his head and flees with the cow. My study shows Mercury preparing his sword to slay the sleeping Argus.
This is a more unusual composition - as the traditional depiction of the scene usually shows Mercury seated playing his pipe and not with the sword unsheathed and raised.
The drawing is in good antique condition with no spotting, tears, or restoration. I have had it unframed and can confirm that it has not been laid down. I have photographed the sheet out of the frame and mount. It has a new acid-free window mount and comes in a simple black wooden frame, as photographed.
Dimensions: Image size: 23.5 x 19.5 cm. The frame size is 44.5 x 39.5 cm
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