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The Young Mercury Stealing Cattle from the Herd of Apollo, 1530-1550. Creator: Girolamo da Santacroce
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The Young Mercury Stealing Cattle from the Herd of Apollo, 1530-1550. Creator: Girolamo da Santacroce
The Young Mercury Stealing Cattle from the Herd of Apollo, 1530-1550
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Media ID 36325657
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Apollo Cattle Cows Farm Animal Farm Animals Herd Hillside Livestock Mercury Mythological Pipe Player Stealing Sun God Theft Roman Mythology
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Young Mercury Stealing Cattle from the Herd of Apollo," a captivating oil painting by the 16th-century Italian artist Girolamo da Santacroce, showcases the playful antics of the Roman god Mercury as he outwits the sun god Apollo. Set against a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and verdant pastures, the painting depicts Mercury and two companions in the midst of stealing cattle from Apollo's herd. Mercury, dressed as a shepherd, expertly guides the animals away from the scene, while his accomplices, one of whom plays a pipe to distract the guardian dogs, look on with mischievous grins. The painting, created between 1530 and 1550, is a prime example of the Renaissance period's fascination with mythology and the natural world. The vibrant colors and intricate details bring the countryside to life, transporting the viewer to a time when gods and mortals coexisted in the same world. The painting's rich heritage is evident in its current home at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where it is cherished as a valuable piece of European art history. Mercury, the messenger god and thief of livestock, is depicted here as a young man, full of energy and cunning. His mythological connection to Apollo, the sun god and herdsman, adds an element of intrigue and drama to the scene. The painting's composition, with its dynamic use of light and shadow, highlights the contrast between the two deities and their respective realms. This masterpiece by Girolamo da Santacroce is a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the imagination and transport us to another time and place. Whether viewed for its historical significance, its beautiful use of color and form, or its intriguing mythological subject matter, "The Young Mercury Stealing Cattle from the Herd of Apollo" is a painting that continues to captivate and inspire.
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