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Anfione Argon condotto da Mercurio

Balthasar Moncornet

1634

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

Anfione Argon condotto da Mercurio is a 1634 ink by Balthasar Moncornet, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Balthasar Moncornet
When & what style?: 1634 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a big, strange ship packed with people. Two winged figures stand on either side—one holds a staff, the other plays a trumpet. The ship looks like it’s sailing through rough waves, with clouds swirling around it. The scene is crowded, with tiny figures working or standing on deck. The words at the top name the figures: *Mercurio* (Mercury) and *Anfione* (Anfion). The ship’s name is written below. This print uses lines to show light and shadow, making everything look carved from metal. Next, check out how artists made etching prints like this one.

About the artist

Artist

Balthasar Moncornet

Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.

See the richer artist page