Mercury playing Argus to sleep with his flute, with Io transformed into a white heifer 1648

This 1648 painting by Jacob Jordaens depicts the Greek myth of Mercury lulling the hundred-eyed giant Argus to sleep. Argus, charged with guarding Io, who was transformed into a white heifer by Zeus, is captivated by Mercury's music and falls asleep. This scene is known as "Mercury Playing Argus to Sleep", and features a variety of animals - sheep, a dog, and cows - which are symbolic of Argus's watchful nature and his inability to escape the power of the god Mercury. Jordaens’ masterful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic and captivating scene, highlighting the figures and the landscape while also hinting at the darkness and danger inherent in the myth.