1544
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Hercules Abducting Iole is a 1544 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic scene of Hercules, a muscular man, wrestling two wild bulls while other figures watch. One bull is on its knees, tangled in ropes, and a woman lies on the ground nearby. The background is packed with swirling lines and ornate decorations, giving it a busy, dramatic feel. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, especially in the muscles and fur. The text at the top is in Latin, hinting at a story about Hercules and a princess named Iole. Want to see how this technique works? Look up engraving.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
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