Argus, de koe Io bewakende c. 1610

"Argus, de koe Io bewakende" is a 17th-century circular relief by Dutch goldsmith Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen, created around 1610. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts the mythological scene of the giant Argus, tasked with guarding the nymph Io, who has been transformed into a cow by Zeus. The relief is meticulously crafted, showcasing Vianen's mastery in metalwork and his keen eye for detail. The dynamic composition, with Argus's multiple eyes peering out from his body, adds a captivating element to this captivating piece of 17th-century Dutch art.