muscular, bearded male figure wrapped in robe leaning on spiked club in PR hand; standing on the head of a writhing Satyr, and holding its ankle in his PL hand; inscription across top

Hercules and Nessus, c. 1525-1561

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In a comical turn, Jacob Binck conflated Hercules with the wreath-wearing Wild Man, a lustful, terrifying forest creature of medieval folklore. In myth, Hercules shoots the centaur Nessus with an arrow for offending his wife Deianeira. Here he demonstrates his brute strength (another Wild Man trait) with his gnarled club, a symbol of his virtue. His deflated foe literally bends to his will.

Details
Title
Hercules and Nessus
Artist Life
about 1500-1569
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.48
Provenance
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
Bartsch 49 (vol. 8, p. 276); Hollstein 95 (only state)
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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muscular, bearded male figure wrapped in robe leaning on spiked club in PR hand; standing on the head of a writhing Satyr, and holding its ankle in his PL hand; inscription across top