The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Dragging Cerberus from the Underworld

1545

Hans Sebald Beham

(German, 1500–1550)

Culture

Germany

Medium

engraving

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection 1950.461

Catalogue raisonné

Pauli 104

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Location

Not on view

Description

Hercules descended into Hades, the underworld, to bring back Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guards the entrance. Pluto, god of the underworld, agreed to let Hercules take Cerberus as long as he used no weapons. In this version of the scene, Hercules has abanded his club and shield in favor of three leashes to drag Cerberus from the inferno. 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.