Hercules and the Erymanthian Boar
ca. 1550
Medium
Pen and brown ink, over black chalk underdrawing
Dimensions
13 5/16 x 9 1/2 in. (33.8 x 24.2 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Culture
Italian
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.284
Tags
Art Historical Context
This dynamic drawing from the School of Cambiaso captures a pivotal moment from Greek mythology: Hercules wrestling the ferocious Erymanthian Bo, one of his legendary Twelve Labors. Commissioned around 1550 in Genoa, Italy, it depicts the hero's muscular nude form straining to subdue the massive beast, embodying the Renaissance fascination with classical myths and heroic strength. The Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art preserves this vivid scene, highlighting its role as a preparatory study likely for a larger painting or fresco. Crafted in pen and brown ink over black...