Hercules en Deïanira

About this artwork

gravure; proefdruk

Art Historical Context

Behold *Hercules en Deïanira*, a captivating engraving by the Italian artist Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio (c. 1500–1565), created sometime between 1515 and 1565. This intimate work, measuring 213 mm high by 136 mm wide, depicts a pivotal moment from classical mythology: the hero Hercules and his wife Deïanira. In the ancient tale, Deïanira unwittingly gives Hercules a garment soaked in the poisoned blood of the centaur Nessus, leading to his tragic demise—a story of love, jealousy, and unintended consequences that resonated deeply in Renaissance art. Caraglio, a master engraver from Parma who wor...

About the Artist

Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio · 1500–1565

Italian, Parma or Verona ca. 1500/1505–1565 Krakow (?)