Artwork
Hercules and Alcestis
Hercules and Alcestis is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Kaspar Lavater. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Hercules and Alcestis is a 1790 painting by Johann Kaspar Lavater, held at the Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene scene with four figures, including two classically dressed adults and two nude children, set amidst rocks and trees. The central male figure, naked and holding a club, is likely Hercules, while the woman beside him may be Alcestis.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro to create depth and atmosphere, with the figures set against a backdrop of large rocks and trees. The use of classical attire and a natural setting evokes a sense of antiquity.
Artist & collection
Artist
Swiss writer and thinker Johann Kaspar Lavater made ink-and-paper images that told stories from the Bible and ancient tales.
Meleager and Atalanta
Jacob blames Laban of his deception with Lea (Genesis 29:25-27)
Apollo charging the Parcae to visit Ceres, who has fled from the Earth
Perseus and the Nymphs
Oedipus und Minerva mit der Sphinx
Apollo charging the Parcae to visit Ceres, who has fled from the Earth
Isaak segnet Jakob
The Prophet Elisha and the Shunamite Woman
Medos og Angelica
Thetis bittet Hephaistos, für ihren Sohn Achilleus eine Rüstung zu schmieden
Mars synes at forsikre den i skyer siddende Venus om sin kærlighed. Imidlertid leger amoriner med hans våben
Hercules and Alcestis