Antwerp School; around 1680

Antwerp School; ca. 1680.
"Mercury and Argos" and "Philemon and Baucis".
Oil on copper.
It presents a layer of current varnish.
Measurements: 9,5 x 18 cm: 15 x 33 cm.
States two images have two images of mythological inspiration. One of them is inspired in one of the myths that are part of the Metamorphoses of Ovid, which narrates how the love of Zeus towards Io, awakens the wrath of Hera. Trying to enjoy a moment alone with his new love, Zeus unleashes a fog in order not to be seen, but Hera manages to get rid of it. At this point Zeus transforms Io into a white calf, but Hera consciously decides that Argus should be her guardian. Argus, who was a giant, was noted for his hundred eyes, which he never closed completely, not even to sleep. Due to the situation Zeus sends Mercury to make Argus sleep. Finally, Mercury manages to get Argus to close his eyes, overcome by the sleep caused by the music of his flute. The other is inspired by the story of Philemon and Baucis, who were the only ones to give shelter to Zeus.
In terms of their physical and formal characteristics, these works belong to the Antwerp School, characterised by the achievement of a balanced synthesis between the Flemish tradition and the influence of the Italian Renaissance. In the 17th century the city experienced an artistic renaissance that made it the artistic stronghold of the Flemish Baroque under the workshops of Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens and the influence of Anton van Dyck and Paul Bril. This influence was reflected not only in aesthetics, but also in subject matter, with mythological themes becoming popular.