Hercules Abducting Iole, From the Labors of Hercules, 1544

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The legendary strongman Hercules was born to the god Zeus and a mortal named Alcmena. This union so incensed Zeus’s wife Hera that she made life almost unbearable for the hero. Her ire resulted in him undertaking a series of tasks, known as the Twelve Labors of Hercules. Sebald Beham challenged his audience’s knowledge of the classical text, engraving three actual labors and nine scenes of Hercules’ exploits before and after his labors.

King Eurytus made the mistake of insulting Hercules. In revenge, Hercules attacks the kingdom and captures Princess Iole, whom he sends to Deianeira.

Details
Title
Hercules Abducting Iole, From the Labors of Hercules
Artist Life
1500–1550
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.19.10
Provenance
Lawrason Riggs (1861-1940), Lugt 1756c, Baltimore. John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
Catalogue Raisonne
Pauli, Hollstein 107 ii/iv; Bartsch 99
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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