Mercury Abducting Psyche (lateral view Mercury's side), from a set of three views of the sculpture 1588 - 1598

Editor: We’re looking at Jan Muller’s print, "Mercury Abducting Psyche," created between 1588 and 1598. It’s a Mannerist piece showing Mercury sweeping Psyche away, and their embrace seems charged with both tenderness and urgency. It’s making me wonder about the story behind their flight. What grabs your attention most about this scene? Curator: Oh, the drama! Don't you just adore the whirlwind of bodies? It’s as if Muller’s caught them in a mid-air ballet, defying gravity, logic, maybe even good sense! The Mannerists, bless their hearts, they really loved to stretch things—physically and conceptually. But, do you get a sense that something more is unfolding beyond mere abduction? Is it desire? Maybe power? It feels like there are so many layers... Editor: I do get that sense! I also notice Mercury's winged feet... those iconic sandals seem almost too small for the momentous action taking place! It adds a slightly whimsical note to the scene. I never realized that classic mythology could be so, well, flamboyant! How did this particular interpretation fit into the artistic trends of the time? Curator: Exactly! See those over-the-top muscles and poses? Totally on trend for Mannerism! This was the age of drama-meets-elegance. Artists were eager to show off how skillful they were, so they chose really complex compositions and twisting forms. Forget realism; it's all about flair! It reminds me of going to a concert versus listening to a record at home; there's drama and life happening right in front of you! What new insights have you taken from our discussion? Editor: I am more eager to delve more into Mannerism's artistic rules and to examine how artists playfully defied the natural in favour of exaggeration. Thanks for illuminating the historical nuances behind Muller's work. Curator: My pleasure! Sometimes the wildest flights of fancy are just what we need to see the world with fresh eyes.