Who painted The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus?

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus was painted by Sebald Beham in 1545.

Where can I see The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus?

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus?

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus

Sebald Beham , 1545

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Crushing Antaeus is a print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Beham made twelve tiny prints for collectors who loved small, detailed works.

This print shows Hercules lifting Antaeus off the ground. The giant’s face twists in pain as Hercules squeezes the life out. His muscles strain against the struggling body in a tight, dramatic circle.

Beham made twelve tiny prints for collectors who loved small, detailed works. Each shows a Hercules labor in a tiny space. The lines are sharp and deep, giving shadows and weight to the scene.

Look up Hans Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550) next.

Overview

This small print is part of a series of twelve engravings depicting the life and deeds of Hercules, created by Hans Sebald Beham, a German artist known for his intricate and detailed work.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Hercules lifting and squeezing Antaeus, a giant from classical mythology. The scene is one of several in the series that illustrate Hercules' remarkable feats, including some of his twelve labors.

Technique & Style

Beham's engraving is characterized by sharp, deep lines that create a sense of depth and dimensionality. The composition is tightly wound, with Hercules' strained muscles forming a dramatic circle around Antaeus' struggling body.

Context

Beham was part of a group of German printmakers known as the 'Little Masters,' who gained recognition for their ability to create complex and detailed works on a small scale.