The focus of the essay is to analyze “Mercury and Argus” by Carel Fabritius and how effectively it conveys the impression of deep space.Mercury and Argus, 1645-47, oil on canvas - Carel Fabritius. This painting “Mercury and Argus” appeared in a saleroom in Monaco, signed by Carel Fabritius, who was one of the most brilliant students of Rembrandt (Raux 103). The subtle coloring and blond tonalities may remind one of texturing done by Rembrandt, but it should not be mistaken for Rembrandt's work. The rustic genre scene of the painting portrays a mythological theme according to which Argus, a watchman had a hundred eyes, slept with only two of eyes closed. Mercury, the mischievous god, makes him go to sleep with soft notes of a drowsy magic. Fabritius has made use of earthy and rustic colors to depict the scene of Argus sleeping while Mercury iswatching over him carefully, ready to cut off his head. The artist uses dark and light colors to depict lights and shadows so as to create depth in the painting. The background is covered in distant skies and dark foliage of the forest. The left side of the canvas is covered with tall, dark trees and thick foliage. Sheep and cows are grazing on the right side while Argus sleeps on the left side in deep slumber along with his watchdog. Fabritius has shown Argus wearing dull brown clothes while Mercury is shown wearing white. A hat and wine casket lies beyond. Argus looks in deep sleep with a hand over his head. His feet are bare and covered with mud and dirt. His head rests on a fallen log and the expression on his face shows that he is in deep slumber, plus his staff has fallen from his hand. The gray and white beard shows his middle age. Mercury is peering down at him, and his hands are done in a gesture of creating soft music. His sword lies on the other side, and the curly mop of hair hides his face and expression. Cows and sheep are clustered behind Mercury, perhaps dazed by the musical notes or waiting for the moment to strike. The composition places the background in darker shades and figures and animals in a warm light. The sky looks dull, patchy and cloudy. The mystical atmosphere in the artwork carries a deep perspective as one gazes at those far off fields and trees, fading away in size and distance. The work conveys a limited, shallow space in the front and a wide expanse of the perspective in the background. The artist makes use of soft lines and textures to depict the story. The lines are curved and soft. However, each element on the canvas carries a definite position and presence. For example, Fabritius has given the right shadows to the hat to give it a 3d perspective as well as the intricate weave on the wine casket. The figures, their bodies, and hands are done in proportion. The folds of the robes and garments of the two figures fall naturally and cling to the body in the right perspective. The artwork shows the artist control over the play of lights and shadows. It is possible to identify who is the watch and who is the God because of the careful depiction of the scene. The accents used by the artist effectively highlight the forehead, nose and hair of Argus and thus suggest three-dimensional character. The quick and certain strokes by the artist achieve a harmonious effect throughout and help create the mood of the painting.The contrasts account for the play of light and shadows and execute the most painterly approach used by the artist. The proportional relationships of scale between the figures, the objects around and nature add to the realism in the artwork. One look at the painting and the viewer peers close to look at what the two figure are doing, before taking in the rest of the elements on the canvas.
Works Cited
Raux, Sophie. "Carel Fabritius in eighteenth-century Paris.” The Bvrlington.Magazine. 1.1 (2013): 103-106. Print.
