Is Mercury Piping to Argus under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Mercury Piping to ArgusJohann Karl LothNone

117.0 x 100.0 cm
National Gallery

Johann Karl Loth (1632 – 1698)

Explore the Baroque paintings of Johann Karl Loth! Venetian-based German artist known for crowded history scenes & classical mythology. Discover his works in Italy & Germany.

National Gallery (London, United Kingdom)

Explore European art from the 13th-19th centuries at London's National Gallery! Discover masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt & more – free entry!

This painting is one of the finest of a group of ambitiously composed portraits painted during Lotto's principal Venetian period, in the years following his return from Bergamo. The central work in the group is the portrait of Andrea Odoni (1527), other major examples include Man with a Golden Paw (c. 1527) and Portrait of a Lady as Lucretia (1530-32). All of these portraits share the characteristics of a broad (rather than vertical) format, three-quarter-length pose, and circumstantially described surroundings filled with objects that appear to carry a symbolical significance.

About this artwork

Title: Mercury Piping to Argus
Artist: Johann Karl Loth
Original dimensions: 117.0 x 100.0 cm
Format: Portrait
Copyright status: Public domain
Where to see it: National Gallery
Color hue: Amber to Saffron
Perceived brightness: deep_shadow

Questions & Answers

Which museum holds the original "Mercury Piping to Argus"?

"Mercury Piping to Argus" by Johann Karl Loth is on display at the National Gallery, London, United Kingdom. The museum listing refers to the original work, not to reproductions.

How much light do the colors of "Mercury Piping to Argus" appear to reflect?

"Mercury Piping to Argus" by Johann Karl Loth has a dark luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.

What kind of colors does "Mercury Piping to Argus" use?

The palette of "Mercury Piping to Argus" by Johann Karl Loth is described as earthy. It is a compact description of the work's colors.

Toward which tone does "Mercury Piping to Argus" lean?

"Mercury Piping to Argus" leans toward an amber to saffron tone.

How big is the original "Mercury Piping to Argus"?

"Mercury Piping to Argus" measures 117 x 100 cm in its original form. Original dimensions are a useful reference when choosing a reproduction size.

Does the copyright of "Mercury Piping to Argus" by Johann Karl Loth allow reproductions?

The original "Mercury Piping to Argus" is at the National Gallery, and the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.

Which artist is "Mercury Piping to Argus" attributed to?

The artist behind "Mercury Piping to Argus" is Johann Karl Loth. The work is catalogued under Johann Karl Loth's name.