The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 24, 2024
The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion
1548
(German, 1500–1550)
Catalogue raisonné: Pauli 107.99 ; Bartsch VIII.158.106
Location: not on view
Description
Hercules uses his bare hands to strangle the lion that terrorized the people of Nemea. The beast was invulnerable to his weapons, which Hercules propped against the nearby tree. In art, Hercules often appears wearing the pelt of the Nemean lion, an identifying symbol that recalls this legend and that characterizes the hero’s strength and fearlessness. 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 Strangling the Nemean Lion|url=false|author=Hans Sebald Beham|year=1548|access-date=24 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1950.469