Landscape with Mercury and Argus

Artist/Maker

Material / Technique

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 29 x 33,9 cm h x w: Passepartout 42 x 55 cm

Inventory numberNMH 56/1876

Other titlesTitle (sv): Trädstudie Title (en): Landscape with Mercury and Argus

DescriptionDescription: Black chalk, point of brush in grey, grey wash, 290 x 339 mm. Ruled framing lines in brown ink. Vertical fold in the centre, a small tear at the top margin, some brown stains. Laid down. The two tree trunks in the centre amidst lush vegetation are a characteristic of many of Adam Pijnacker’s landscapes, and not surprisingly this drawing has been attributed to him. However, it is a study for a painting by Jan Both in Munich, Landscape with Mercury and Argus, signed and dated 1650. The drawing concentrates on the landscape, and the setting is the same as the painting, with only minor changes. The initial chalk sketch is elaborated with point of brush and areas of grey wash – in the area to the right of the large rock, a brownish wash has been applied. The figures are not washed, and while the cow is boldly sketched, the human figures are so loosely drawn that it is difficult to interpret their actions. They can be identified as Mercury and Argus only by comparison with the painting. The latter represents Mercury playing the flute; perhaps here he is cutting off Argus’ head. The painting has been thought to be a collaborative effort, and the drawing seems to support that idea, since the figures are barely sketched in. In the past, the human figures in the painting have been attributed to Nicolaes Knüpfer and the cow to Jan Baptist Weenix. However, Knüpfer’s involvement has been denied by Saxton, who strongly argues that the style is not his. [Magnusson, Dutch Drawings no. 90]

Collection

Geographical origin

MaterialBlack chalk (Crayon), Paper, Graphite

TechniqueDrawing, Wash drawing