Reliëf met Mercurius, Argus en Io in de Burgerzaal van het Stadhuis op de Dam 1663

This etching by Hubert Quellinus, dating to the 17th century, captures a relief in the Burgerzaal of Amsterdam’s Stadhuis, depicting Mercury, Argus, and Io. Quellinus, a master of both sculpture and drawing, here uses the graphic technique to convey a complex mythological scene. The process of etching—biting lines into a metal plate with acid, then inking and printing—allows for fine detail and subtle gradations of tone, mimicking the texture and depth of a sculptural relief. We see the play of light across the figures, accentuating their forms and the drama of the narrative. Look closely at the figure of Argus, and the many eyes covering his body. Etchings like this one played a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas in early modern Europe. They democratized access to images, making them available to a wider audience beyond the elite circles who commissioned the original sculptures. This print is not just a reproduction, but also an artwork in its own right, reflecting the skilled labor and artistic vision of Quellinus himself. It reminds us that even copies can be powerful statements.