Hercules Killing Cacus

1554

Dirck Volckertz Coornhert

Associated Names
Dirck Volckertz Coornhert

Artist, Netherlandish, 1522 - 1590

Hieronymus Cock

Publisher, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image shows two muscular, nude male figures in a dynamic struggle. The man on the left wears a helmet with a face and holds a club in his right hand, while his left hand grips a detached head. The man on the right has wild hair and is pulling at the other man's helmet with his mouth open. In the background, there is a cave-like setting with rocky formations. A skeletal head is seen in the upper right. Bones and a skull are scattered on the ground. A leafless tree and branches are visible in the landscape.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving [counterproof] on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 35.3 x 26.9 cm (13 7/8 x 10 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1975.35.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, undescribed

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2001

  • The Unfinished Print, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2001.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Wikidata ID

Q65567738

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