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The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Conquering Troy
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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 small prints, appealing to collectors fascinated with miniature objects and curiosities.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineThe Labors of Hercules: Hercules Conquering Troy, 1545. Hans Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550). Engraving. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection, 1950.462
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