Mercury Lulls Argus into Sleep by Hendrick Bloemaert. Mercury plays a flute to lull Argus to sleep in a pastoral landscape featuring a white cow and a sleeping dog.

Mercury Lulls Argus into Sleep

Hendrick Bloemaert

1635 · Oil Paint, Canvas

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

$243

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Where it works

A balanced piece with a quiet mood with softened warm notes — sits comfortably in a more formal setting.

Often works in
Library · Study · Living Room
Placement
Reads naturally where the wall has more height than width
Walls
Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
Color notes
Charcoal black, Olive green, Soft sage

About the piece

Painted in 1635 by Hendrick Bloemaert, this Utrecht School masterpiece captures the mythological tale of Mercury charming Argus into sleep. The composition features rich, contrasting drapery in pink and coral tones, set against a vast, atmospheric landscape. The presence of the white cow—Io in disguise—and a resting dog adds narrative depth to this serene pastoral scene.

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