Jupiter and Mercury in the House of Philemon and Baucis

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Adam Elsheimer’s small-scale paintings of mysterious interiors and fantastical landscapes influenced artists throughout Europe, particularly after Hendrik Goudt translated them into prints. Although Goudt engraved only eight of Elsheimer’s images, they inspired a generation of printmakers in pursuit of magical light and shadow, most notably Rembrandt. This work depicts a moral tale by Ovid in which the gods Jupiter and Mercury disguise themselves as peasants before visiting a town in Phrygia and asking for a place to sleep. They are met with disdain by everyone except an impoverished couple who generously extend hospitality beyond their means. In turn, Jupiter and Mercury reward the couple with a comfortable life while destroying the rest of the town and everyone in it.

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