Hercules Killing the Hydra

Currently not on view

Hercules Killing the Hydra

1545

Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550)

Medieval writers often incorporated classical myths and their heroes into religious allegories, to provide moral examples worthy of imitation. Like the struggles of the Old Testament hero Samson, Hercules' seemingly impossible labors came to prefigure the suffering and victory of Christ.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Hercules Killing the Hydra
From the series The Labors of Hercules

Date:

1545

Artist:

Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550)

Medium:

Engraving

Dimensions:

Sheet (cut within platemark): 2 1/16 × 3 1/16 inches (5.3 × 7.8 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

The William S. Pilling Collection, 1933

Accession Number:

1933-72-1684

Geography:

Made in Germany, Europe

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Currently not on view