Online Collections at UoB - Objects
ID number: BIRBI-69.5 Institution: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Artist / Maker: Moeyart, Claes Cornelisz (1592/3-1655) Title / Object name: Landscape with Mercury and Battus Object type: Print
Place made: Amsterdam Culture: Dutch Date made: probably before 1624 Materials: Etching Measurements: Plate: 96 x 195 mm; mount: 405 x 556 mm Provenance: Purchased from Christopher Mendez, June 1969, for £30
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This work provides an opportunity for Moeyaert to display his skills in landscape draughtsmanship - the mythological narrative is not immediately clear. Unlike the chaos of the Bolswert print, shown nearby, this represents bucolic countryside, but it similarly tells the tale of an unforgiving god. Having stolen Apollo’s sheep, Mercury bribed the witness, Battus, to remain silent. Mercury is shown here disguised as Apollo, in a winged hat, tempting Battus to reveal the thief. Mercury will transform Battus into a pumice stone when he accepts the bribe, alluded to by the old man’s gesture towards a heap of stones.
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