Mercurius, Argus en Io 1771 - 1808

"Mercurius, Argus en Io" is an etching by Dutch artist Jacques Kuyper, created between 1771 and 1808. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a scene from Greek mythology: the god Mercury playing a flute to the giant Argus, who is tasked with guarding Io, a nymph transformed into a cow by Zeus. The etching's delicate lines capture the figures' expressions and the surrounding forest, showcasing Kuyper's mastery of this technique. The artwork's small dimensions, 115 mm in height and 108 mm in width, make it a miniature masterpiece that highlights the power of detail and storytelling in printmaking. This artwork is an excellent example of etching and the use of this artistic technique in depicting mythology and historical narratives.