Who painted Hercules Killing Antaeus?

Hercules Killing Antaeus was painted by Sebald Beham in 1545.

Where can I see Hercules Killing Antaeus?

Hercules Killing Antaeus is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Hercules Killing Antaeus?

Hercules Killing Antaeus is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Hercules Killing Antaeus

Sebald Beham , 1545

Hercules Killing Antaeus is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sebald Beham's 1545 engraving, Hercules Killing Antaeus, exemplifies his skill as a printmaker. It is a detailed representation of a mythological scene.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts Hercules lifting Antaeus, a giant who loses strength when separated from the earth. This classical mythological scene is rendered with attention to the figures' physical struggle.

Technique & Style

Beham employed cross-hatching to create depth and texture, emphasizing the muscular tension between Hercules and Antaeus. The dense lines around the edges focus the viewer's attention on the central action.

History & Provenance

As a member of the 'Little Masters,' a group influenced by Albrecht Dürer, Beham was known for intricate small-scale prints. Hercules Killing Antaeus is characteristic of his work from this period.