Merkur bortfører Psyche. Psyche set fra siden 1595 - 1598

Jan Harmensz. Muller created this engraving, "Merkur bortfører Psyche. Psyche set fra siden", or Mercury abducting Psyche seen from the side, in the late 16th or early 17th century. The print presents us with the mythological tale of Mercury’s abduction of Psyche. During this time, mythological and allegorical subjects were vehicles through which artists explored human passions and moral concepts. Muller’s print engages with the complex gender dynamics inherent in such narratives. Here, Mercury's forceful embrace and upward motion contrast with Psyche's seemingly passive pose. This artwork also opens up conversations about power, desire, and agency, inviting us to consider the narratives embedded in classical stories and their continued relevance. The dramatic composition and idealized forms evoke a sense of awe, while simultaneously prompting questions about the representation of women and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.