Argus, de koe Io bewakende c. 1610

Curator: Welcome. Before us, we have Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen's relief, "Argus, de koe Io bewakende," or "Argus guarding the cow Io," created around 1610. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: What immediately strikes me is its darkness; it almost feels like looking into a pool of shadowed metal. Curator: Indeed. The artist uses the medium, likely tin or lead, to create a distinct sense of weight. Notice how the circular composition is almost overwhelmed with figuration. Editor: Right. It seems densely packed. And the technique! To achieve this kind of narrative detail in metal—the muscular definition, the varied textures—it must have been incredibly laborious. Who was van Vianen and what are we looking at here? Curator: Van Vianen was known for his work in precious metals, crafting small-scale reliefs with intricate detail. Here, he depicts the story of Io from Ovid's "Metamorphoses," where Zeus transforms Io into a cow to hide her from Hera's wrath, assigning Argus, a giant with a hundred eyes, to guard her. Look above at Hermes being sent down by Zeus to release Io. Editor: So, this wasn't just high art. The materiality, that dense metal and skillful handwork, were themselves conveying the power of Zeus and Hera? Metal work like this has incredible potential. Curator: Exactly! Notice how Van Vianen utilizes the medium to emphasize the dramatic tension inherent in the myth? Argus sprawls alert with his dogs. Hermes, barely visibile up above on the right. Zeus and Hera watch above from Olympus. It's a ballet of power. Editor: It's interesting how he makes Argus himself, usually depicted with eyes all over, somewhat conventionally human. The dogs seem more alert. Is that significant, structurally? Curator: Perhaps he is drawing us, the viewers, into the role of Argus—under constant vigilance but somewhat oblivious of the events about to unfold above. His tools aren’t in guarding the mortal cow, but an unwilling piece in this God's drama. Editor: The texture and density communicate an incredible presence. It highlights metalwork as more than just decorative—it's storytelling in and of itself. Curator: Yes. This small relief becomes an enormous reflection on divine power, earthly constraint, and artistic creation. Editor: Thank you. Seeing the detail van Vianen captured helps emphasize not just the beauty but the value imbued in craft through this unique medium.