Mercury and Battus – (Francisque Millet) Previous Next


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Size: 119 x 178 cm

Technique: Oil On Canvas

The story of the old shepherd Battus, who, having witnessed Mercury"s theft of a herd of cattle, promised not to disclose the secret, is recounted in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (II: 668 ff.). When tested by the god, shown here in the guise of a young shepherd, he pointed to the foot of the mountain where the cattle were hidden. Mercury then turned him into a stone. The picture was once attributed to Poussin. Its authorship is established by an engraving bearing Millet"s name.

This artwork is in the public domain.

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This image (or other media file) is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. However - you may not use this image for commercial purposes and you may not alter the image or remove the watermark.

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