Mercury and the Sleeping Argus, Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen, 1610
This scene revolves around the cow in the background, Jupiter’s beloved Io. Jupiter changed her into a cow to hide his adultery from his jealous spouse, Juno. But since Juno asked for the cow as a present, Jupiter had to concede. Juno had the cow guarded by Argus, whereupon Jupiter sent Mercury to kill Argus. Mercury first lulled Argus to sleep with music and stories.