The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 20, 2024
The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Dragging Cerberus from the Underworld
1545
(German, 1500–1550)
Catalogue raisonné: Pauli 104
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.- {{cite web|title=The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Dragging Cerberus from the Underworld|url=false|author=Hans Sebald Beham|year=1545|access-date=20 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1950.461