Artwork Page for The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

Details / Information for The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

1544

Hans Sebald Beham

(German, 1500–1550)
Culture
Germany
Medium
engraving
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection 1950.460
Catalogue raisonné
Pauli 107
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Hercules avenges an old insult by killing King Eurytus and his sons, and abducting his daughter, Iole. Years before, Eurytus had promised Iole to anyone who could beat him at archery. When he lost the contest to Hercules, the king cheated Hercules out of his rightful prize. 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.
A horizontally oriented engraving in black ink depicts a chaotic battle. On our left, Hercules, a muscular man with a light skin tone, sits on a rearing horse and raises a club toward Iole. To our right, an armored man on horseback wields a spear. Two fallen nude men with light skin tones lie beneath the horses' hooves. Latin text at the top begins "EVRYTI REGIS." The print is dated 1544 with a monogram.

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

1544

Hans Sebald Beham

(German, 1500–1550)
Germany

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