Mercury and Argus
- Original dimensions
- 111.8 x 151.8 cm
- Museum
- National Gallery of Canada
Scene depicted
This canvas , rich in narrative, depicts the dramatic moment when Mercury, the messenger of the gods, uses his cunning to lull Argus, the guardian with a hundred eyes, to sleep. The work evokes Turner’s concerns for human progress while imbuing viewers with a slight melancholy through this where light and shadow dance harmoniously.
Historical context
Created in 1833, at a time when romanticism illuminated the English artistic scene, this painting embodies the values of the industrial age and the moral dilemmas of mythology. Turner, based in London, draws inspiration from ancient tales to compose this unique canvas , currently displayed at the National Gallery of Canada .
Anecdote
Turner once stated: “Art must not only reproduce but reveal the soul of things.” This thought inspired him on a misty morning when the idea of capturing the struggle between Mercury and Argus came to him, embodying the tension between vigilance and cunning. This masterpiece reflects this poetic and vibrant vision.