Study For ‘mercury Leading The Cows of Argus To Water’ 1846 - 1848

Jean-François Millet's "Study For ‘Mercury Leading The Cows of Argus To Water’," created between 1846 and 1848, is a preparatory study for the artist's final painting. The painting depicts the Greek mythological figure, Mercury, guiding a herd of cows. The sketch is characterized by its rough, gestural brushwork, suggesting Millet's early process of exploration. The depiction of Mercury in a landscape with cattle, a common theme in Millet's work, foreshadows his later focus on peasant life and labor. The scene's energy is conveyed through Mercury's dynamic pose and the cows' movement. This study showcases Millet's early engagement with both classical mythology and the themes of work and nature that would become central to his mature artistic style.