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DiaporamaMercury descends from the heavens for the love of Herse
On the left side, foreground, there are five women, two of which are holding amphorae on their heads. A winged figure, wearing an elm with wings (and holding in his left hand what seems to be a garland), appears on the opposite side, emerging from the clouds.Once again, the inscription on the back (“Jupiter dominatore appare alle Muse”) is not correct since in no way can the flying character be Jupiter, as the inscription states. Mostly due to the elm with wings and the caduceus held in the right hand, it is easy to identify him as Mercury, Jupiter’s son and messenger of the gods. This painting depicts the moment when, inflamed by his love for Herse, one of the daughters of Pelops, he descends from the heavens to meet her, as described in the Metamorphoses (2.726-729).
Johann Wilhelm Baur (1607 – 1642)
Johann Wilhelm Baur (1607-1642): German Baroque painter of detailed vedute, miniatures & mythological scenes inspired by Ovid. Explore his art & legacy!
Museu da Fundação Dionísio Pinheiro e Alice Cardoso Pinheiro (Aguada, Portugal)
Explore Portuguese art history at Museu da Fundação Dionísio Pinheiro e Alice Cardoso Pinheiro! Discover masterpieces by Lino & Carneiro, antique furniture & ceramics – a cultural treasure in Águeda.
About this artwork
- Title: Mercury descends from the heavens for the love of Herse
- Artist: Johann Wilhelm Baur
- Year: 1641
- Format: Panoramic
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Museu da Fundação Dionísio Pinheiro e Alice Cardoso Pinheiro
- Color palette: Earthy
- Color hue: Ochre to Sepia
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