Argus, Mercury and Io by Jacob van Campen. A mythological scene showing Mercury playing a pipe to lull Argus to sleep, surrounded by watchful dogs and a white cow in a dramatic landscape.

Argus, Mercury and Io

Jacob van Campen

1630 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A captivating 17th-century Dutch masterpiece depicting a serene mythological moment with rich textures and dramatic lighting.

$169

For the selected configuration

From $129

5 frame sizes

Frame size
Frame color
Mount
Paper type
Glaze

Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A substantial, grounding work with softened warm notes — brings a composed sense of weight.

Often works in
Living Room · Study · Library
Placement
Strong as a centered anchor on a clear wall
Walls
Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
Color notes
Charcoal black, Rich brown, Warm beige

About the piece

Painted by Jacob van Campen around 1630, this work illustrates the classical myth of Mercury charming Argus to sleep. The composition is notable for its warm, earth-toned palette and the lifelike presence of the animals, particularly the watchful dogs and the white cow representing the transformed Io, all rendered with sophisticated Baroque technique.

More like this

Mercury Lulls Argus into Sleep

Contains nudity

Figure Studies

Mercury Lulls Argus into Sleep

Hendrick Bloemaert

A refined 17th-century Dutch painting depicting the mythological encounter between Mercury and Argus in a serene landscape.

Mercury Piping to Argus

Contains nudity

Figure Studies

Mercury Piping to Argus

Johann Carl Loth

A dramatic 17th-century Baroque scene depicting Mercury lulling Argus to sleep with the haunting melody of his pipe.

Hercules and Cacus

Contains nudity

Figure Studies

Hercules and Cacus

Hendrik Goltzius

This dramatic 17th-century masterpiece depicts the mythological hero Hercules in a powerful, triumphant stance.

The Lion Hunt

Contains disturbing content

Equestrian & Animals

The Lion Hunt

Unknown Artist

A dramatic and masterful Baroque-style painting capturing the intense energy of a legendary lion hunt.