The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 16, 2024
The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus
1545
(German, 1500–1550)
Catalogue raisonné: Pauli 109.102 ; Bartsch VIII.158.104
Location: not on view
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.- {{cite web|title=The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus|url=false|author=Hans Sebald Beham|year=1545|access-date=16 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1950.467