The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Conquering Troy
Medium
engraving
Classification
Department
Prints
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection
Accession Number
1950.462
Tags
male
About this artwork
According to legend, before the Trojan War, Hercules traveled to Troy and pillaged it. In this battle scene packed with soldiers and war horses, Hercules can be identified by the lion-skin cape billowing behind him. He uses a lance made from a small tree, torn out by the roots, while his steed tosses a piercing glance directly at the viewer. Beham was one of several German printmakers referred to today as the “Little Masters.” They established their artistic prowess by engraving remarkably smal...