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Mercury and Argus

James Peak

1750

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

18th Century Landscape

Dominant colour

Mercury and Argus is a 1750 by James Peak, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: James Peak
When & what style?: 1750
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a quiet countryside scene with two men tending sheep near a small stream. Tall trees frame the left side, while a distant temple sits on a hill to the right. The sky is dramatic, with thick clouds and a hint of sunlight breaking through. The artist used shading to make the trees and clouds look three-dimensional. The men and sheep are small, but their placement draws your eye to the center of the image. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create depth in art.