Mercury, Herse and Aglaura 1767

"Mercury, Herse and Aglaura" (1767) by Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée depicts the Greek myth of Mercury, the messenger god, and his pursuit of the mortal Herse. The painting captures a moment of intimacy between Mercury and Herse, as they engage in a conversation while Aglaura, Herse's jealous sister, watches from the background. Lagrenée's use of light and shadow creates a sense of drama and intrigue, highlighting the emotional tension between the characters. This neoclassical work is an excellent example of Lagrenée's mastery of historical painting and his ability to convey human emotion through composition and gesture.