Who created "The Choice of Hercules"?

The Choice of Hercules was created by Anonymous, French, 17th century in 17th century.

When was "The Choice of Hercules" created?

This artwork was created 17th century.

What medium is "The Choice of Hercules"?

The Choice of Hercules is Black chalk, squared.

Is "The Choice of Hercules" in the public domain?

Yes, The Choice of Hercules is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

The Choice of Hercules

Anonymous, French, 17th century

17th century

Medium

Black chalk, squared

Dimensions

6 x 5-1/2 in. (15.2 x 14.0 cm)

Classification

Drawings

Department

Drawings and Prints

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Ildiko Mohacsy, 1999

Accession Number

1999.512.2

Tags

SoldiersShieldsWomenHercules

Art Historical Context

In the grand tradition of 17th-century French art, *The Choice of Hercules* a timeless moral allegory from mythology. This anonymous drawing depicts the heroic demigod Hercules at a crossroads, confronted by two women symbolizing Virtue and Vice—a theme popularized by ancient philosophers like Prodicus and revived during the Baroque era to inspire ethical reflection. The inclusion of soldiers, shields, and armored figures adds a dynamic layer, evoking themes of battle, protection, and valor that resonated in an age of royal patronage and military glory under Louis XIV. Executed in black chalk...

The Choice of Hercules

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