Mercurius doet Argus in slaap vallen met zijn fluitspel 1682 - 1711

This undated print by Quellinus Schobbens depicts the mythological scene of Mercurius lulling Argus to sleep with his flute. The image is rendered in a delicate style typical of Dutch Golden Age engraving. It reflects the period's fascination with classical mythology and the visual codes through which narratives were conveyed. Created in the Netherlands, a rising mercantile power, the artwork subtly echoes contemporary social dynamics. The story of Mercurius deceiving Argus could be interpreted as a commentary on the era's complex relationship between appearance and reality, or on the tensions between those in power and those subject to it. To fully appreciate its cultural resonance, we need to consult emblem books, popular during that time, to understand the symbolic meanings attached to these figures. By combining formal analysis with an understanding of the social and institutional context, we can decipher the nuanced meanings embedded in the artwork.