Artwork
Six large upright landscapes with scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses: Mercury and Argus
Six large upright landscapes with scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses: Mercury and Argus is a print by the Baroque artist Anthonie Waterloo. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1944.48
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection
About this work
Overview
Mercury and Argus is a 1665 landscape print by Anthonie Waterloo, part of a series illustrating scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The work is currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene forest landscape with mythological undertones, referencing the story of Mercury and Argus from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Figural elements include seated individuals under a tree and a grazing cow, set amidst detailed, shaded natural forms.
Technique & Style
Waterloo employed meticulous shading techniques to achieve depth, particularly in the dense, leafy trees with thick branches. The overall aesthetic aligns with Baroque tendencies, emphasizing dramatic lighting and naturalistic detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1665, the print's provenance prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here. It remains part of the museum's collection, highlighting Waterloo's contribution to mythological themes in 17th-century printmaking.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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