Het fluitspel van Mercurius doet Argus inslapen 1649 - 1716

Hendrick ten Oever rendered this drawing of Mercury lulling Argus to sleep with his flute using pen and brown ink, with a gray wash. The swift strokes of the pen give life to the pastoral scene, though the absence of color lends the artwork an ethereal quality. The artist’s chosen media—ink and paper—are relatively humble, but the application reveals mastery. Washes create depth and shadow, while the fineness of the lines suggests careful, controlled execution. These techniques elevate the drawing, traditionally seen as preparatory, to a work of art in its own right. The artist's hand is evident in every mark, emphasizing the skill and labor involved in creating this seemingly simple composition. By focusing on the process and the artist’s technique, we gain a richer understanding of this drawing, moving beyond its narrative to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind its creation.