The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

1544
(German, 1500–1550)
Catalogue raisonné: Pauli 107
Location: not on view

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.
  • {{cite web|title=The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole|url=false|author=Hans Sebald Beham|year=1544|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1950.460