Hercules and Envy
1650
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
Hercules and Envy is a 1650 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.
This painting shows a muscular man with a beard riding a giant, shaggy beast. A small, chubby child sits on the creature’s back, holding a bow. In the background, shadowy figures with blurred faces seem to be watching from the clouds. The man’s face looks tired, and the beast’s fur is thick and wild. The dark and light areas create a strong contrast, making the figures stand out. This looks like an example of chiaroscuro.
