Artwork

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front, by Pietro Fontana, ink, 1812
Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front, by Pietro Fontana, ink, 1812

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Pietro Fontana. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower center below image, in plate: PER VN DE'PIEDI IL FVRIBONDO ALCIDE AFFERRA E SCAGLIA LICA....Sofocle nelle Trachin.v.792

About this work

Overview

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front is a print by Pietro Fontana, created in 1812. It is an engraving on wove paper, held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a bearded, muscular man straining to lift a smaller figure over his shoulder, with a dead lion on the ground below. The scene is drawn from mythology, likely representing Hercules and Lichas, and conveys a sense of struggle and tension.

Technique & Style

The work is an engraving, created by etching a design into metal and printing it onto paper. This technique allows for detailed images with sharp lines, evident in the defined muscles and strained facial expression of the main figure.

Farnese Hercules, Museum of Naples, Italy
Farnese Hercules, Museum of Naples, Italy, Giorgio Sommer

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front?

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front was painted by Pietro Fontana in 1812.

Where can I see Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front?

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front?

Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front?

Museum-quality prints of Hercules and Lichas, Seen from the Front are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.