Hercules Overcoming the Nemean Lion

c. 1520/1525

Albrecht Altdorfer

Associated Names
Albrecht Altdorfer

Artist, German, 1480 or before - 1538

This is a drawing of a human figure interacting with a lion. The human figure is kneeling and grappling with the lion, with one hand holding the lion's mane and the other keeping its jaw open. The lion is depicted lying down, with detailed muscles and fur. The human figure appears to be in motion, indicated by flowing lines suggesting movement and tension. The drawing utilizes fine lines and shading commonly seen in early printmaking, adding a dramatic intensity to the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 4.4 × 3.7 cm (1 3/4 × 1 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 5.1 × 4.4 cm (2 × 1 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.407

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. e. 31, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Charles Sessler, Philadelphia); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA, 1929; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1963

  • Winzinger, Franz. Albrecht Altdorfer, Graphik: Holzschnitte, Kupferstiche, Radierungen. Munich: R.Piper and Co., 1963, no. 144, b.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Albrecht Aldorfer, Ursula Mielke, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. e. 31, state only.

Wikidata ID

Q64952544

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