Hercules Killing the Hydra

c. 1602

Jan Muller after Adriaen de Vries

Associated Names
Jan Muller

Artist, Netherlandish, 1571 - 1628

Adriaen de Vries

Artist After, Netherlandish, c. 1556 - 1626

The sculpture depicts a muscular male figure in a dynamic pose, raising a club above his head. The man is intricately carved, showing detailed musculature and a focused facial expression. He is in combat with a multi-headed creature that resembles a dragon or serpent, with one of the heads twisting around his body. The creature has multiple heads with sharp features and is entwined around the man. The sculpture appears monochromatic, likely crafted from a material such as bronze or stone.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 51.1 x 36.5 cm (20 1/8 x 14 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 52.2 x 37.8 cm (20 9/16 x 14 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1971.36.3

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 87, State ii/iv

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2001

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

2004

  • The Unfinished Print, The Frick Collection, New York, 2004.

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

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (The Muller Dynasty, Jan Piet Filedt Kok author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Publishers, 1999, no. 87, state ii/iv.

Wikidata ID

Q65509995

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