Artwork Page for The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus

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The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus

1545

Hans Sebald Beham

(German, 1500–1550)
Culture
Germany
Medium
engraving
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection 1950.467
Catalogue raisonné
Pauli 109.102 ; Bartsch VIII.158.104
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

While Hercules was asleep, the fire-breathing giant Cacus stole some oxen that Hercules had been herding. Hercules tracked the animals to Cacus’s lair, where he slew the giant. Here, an ox watches as Cacus spews a blast of fire, and Hercules prepares to strike a fatal blow. 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 print in black ink on cream paper depicts two nude men with light skin tones. Hercules stands over Cacus, pinning his chest with one foot while raising a club with both hands. A lion skin drapes from his shoulders. Cacus lies on his back, breathing flames toward a cave where a cow head peeks out. Latin text spans the top. At the top left, a box contains a date and monogram.

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus

1545

Hans Sebald Beham

(German, 1500–1550)
Germany

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