Artwork

Hercules and the Nemean Lion

Hercules and the Nemean Lion, by Nicolò Boldrini, ink, 1566
Hercules and the Nemean Lion, by Nicolò Boldrini, ink, 1566

Hercules and the Nemean Lion is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Nicolò Boldrini. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hercules and the Nemean Lion is a woodcut print created by Nicolò Boldrini around 1566, depicting a scene from mythology.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Hercules, clad in a lion skin, wrestling the Nemean Lion. The intense struggle is conveyed through the strained facial expression of Hercules and the lion's clawing attack.

Technique & Style

The woodcut was made using a chiaroscuro technique, involving two blocks to achieve contrasting light and dark areas, resulting in deep shadows and rough lines that add to the dynamic scene.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.