Bernard Picart, Cornelis Bloemaert, and others
Io Changed into a Cow: Mercury Cuts Off Argus’s Head
1729-1732
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- Artist: Bernard Picart
- Artist: Cornelis Bloemaert
- Artist: Theodor Matham
- Artist: Pierre Brebiette
Io Changed into a Cow: Mercury Cuts Off Argus’s Head
1729-1732
Physical Qualities
Etching and engraving, Sheet: 456 x 287 mm. (17 15/16 x 11 5/16 in.)
Plate: 355 x 252 mm. (14 x 9 15/16 in.)
Image: 340 x 246 mm. (13 3/8 x 9 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Garrett Collection
Object Number
1946.112.12988
This publication is based on Michel de Marolles' "Tableau du Temple des Muses" (Paris, 1655), with fifty-nine engraving by Cornelis Bloemaert (and Theodor Matham etching the backgrounds) and one (showing Salmacis) by Poilly; after drawings by Abraham van Diepenbeeck and Pierre Brebiette illustrating the art collection of Jacques Favereau (1590-1675).
In Bloemaert's print there is no indication that the source is one of Pierre Brebiette's paintings (as it happens with other prints from the series) but according to Hollstein that is the case. See Hollstein, C. BLOEMAERT 90-148.
BMA, Jacobs Wing rotation, August 15, 2007- January 29, 2008
Signed: 2
Inscribed: Recto: in plate, lower center: "Ïo changé en Vache est donée en garde à Argus, à qui Mercure coupe la tête / Io changed into a Cow: Mercury cuts off Argus's head / Iö in eine Kuh verwandelt, wird von den Urgus bewachtet, welchen Mercurius enthauptet / Iö in een Koe verandert, werdt de Wacht van Argus aanbevoolen, wien Mercurius't hooft asslaat"; in plate: at bottom left: "B. Picart del. 1730"; on sheet, at bottom right, in graphite: "13"
