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The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole
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The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

Hans Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550), artist · 1544 · engraving

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Hercules avenges an old insult by killing King Eurytus and his sons, and abducting his daughter, Iole. Years before, Eurytus had promised Iole to anyone who could beat him at archery. When he lost the contest to Hercules, the king cheated Hercules out of his rightful prize. Beham was one of several German printmakers referred to today as the “Little Masters.” They established their artistic prowess by engraving remarkably small prints, appealing to collectors fascinated with miniature objects and curiosities.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineThe Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole, 1544. Hans Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550). Engraving. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection, 1950.460
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