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The Infant Hercules Throttling the Serpents

William Blake

1792

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Mythology Clothed Male, Naked Female

Dominant colour

The Infant Hercules Throttling the Serpents is a 1792 graphite by William Blake, a Romanticism work, depicting Clothed Male, Naked Female, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: William Blake
When & what style?: 1792 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a baby holding two snakes mid-air. The snakes twist around each other. The baby’s face is calm. The lines are sharp. William Blake used themes from ancient myths. Here he shows Hercules as a baby fighting snakes. This ties to a Greek story. The story says a jealous goddess sent snakes to kill baby Hercules. The lines feel alive. Look at the baby’s grip. If you like this, check Blake, William.