Mercurius maakt aanstalten om Argus te doden 1618 - 1628

Moyses van Wtenbrouck created this etching, "Mercury Prepares to Kill Argus," in the first half of the 17th century, a period marked by the rise of the Dutch Republic and its global trade networks. Wtenbrouck revisits the classical tale of Mercury, sent by Jupiter to slay Argus, the ever-watchful giant guarding Io, a maiden Jupiter had transformed into a cow to hide her from his wife, Juno. The Dutch Republic’s prosperity was intertwined with its maritime power and colonial exploits which often masked violence and exploitation. In this light, one might consider the story of Mercury and Argus as an allegory for the exercise of power, the deployment of deception, and the ultimate act of dominance. Here, Mercury, the trickster, stands poised to strike, while Argus, the perpetual guard, is lulled into a false sense of security. The emotional tension is palpable. How might we view the ethics of power when those in authority deploy deceit to achieve their ends?