Who painted Merkur und Herse?

Merkur und Herse was painted by Lucas van Uden in 1633.

Where can I see Merkur und Herse?

Merkur und Herse is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Merkur und Herse?

Merkur und Herse is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Merkur und Herse

Lucas van Uden , 1633

Merkur und Herse is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Lucas van Uden. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Merkur und Herse, a 1633 painting by Lucas van Uden, combines the Flemish artist's signature landscape expertise with mythological narrative, characteristic of his collaborative approach with figure painters during the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a classical mythological scene featuring five figures in interaction, including a central shirtless woman, a crowned figure, and a winged, possibly guiding, spirit in the clouds, amidst symbolic gestures and elements.

Technique & Style

Uden employed strong chiaroscuro, juxtaposing vivid light and dark shadows to accentuate the figures against a wooded, dusk-lit background, blending detailed landscape with narrative clarity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1633, Merkur und Herse is now part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection, reflecting Uden's contribution to Flemish landscape painting of the era.

Context

Produced during the Dutch Golden Age, this work exemplifies the period's artistic collaborations and the blending of Flemish landscape traditions with classical mythological themes.

Artist & collection

Artist

Lucas van Uden

Lucas van Uden (18 October 1595 – 4 November 1672) was a leading Flemish landscape painter, draughtsman and engraver, who lived and worked in Antwerp.