Who created "Hercules and the Cretan Bull"?

Hercules and the Cretan Bull was created by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia in c. 1514/1515.

When was "Hercules and the Cretan Bull" created?

This artwork was created c. 1514/1515.

What medium is "Hercules and the Cretan Bull"?

Hercules and the Cretan Bull is engraving.

Is "Hercules and the Cretan Bull" in the public domain?

Yes, Hercules and the Cretan Bull is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Hercules and the Cretan Bull

Giovanni Antonio da Brescia

c. 1514/1515

Medium

engraving

Dimensions

sheet: 21.4 x 15.7 cm (8 7/16 x 6 3/16 in.)

Classification

Department

CG-E

Museum

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Credit

Rosenwald Collection

Accession Number

1946.21.199

Art Historical Context

Behold *Hercules and thean Bull*, a dynamic engraving by Giovanni Antonio da, created around 1514–1515. This work captures the seventh labor of Hercules from Greek mythology, where the hero wrestles and subdues the fierce Cretan Bull—a monstrous creature terrorizing Crete, sent by King Minos to Athens as tribute. Da Brescia, a prominent Italian engraver from Brescia active in Venice, exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity, blending heroic narratives with precise draftsmanship to celebrate human strength and divine favor. Crafted as an engraving on a modest sheet meas...

Hercules and the Cretan Bull

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