In this print the narrative of Mercury and Argus (from Ovid’s Metamorphoses) is dwarfed by the fantastic landscape. In keeping with Flemish tradition Cock depicts all elements of nature: woodland, mountain ranges, rivers, fields, and animals. This print features Mercury attempting to lull the giant Argus into a deep sleep before beheading him. Mercury has been sent to watch Jupiter by Juno, Jupiter’s wife, after she found him seducing Io. To escape, Jupiter has disguised himself as a cow, as shown in the foreground.