Hercules Separates Mounts Calpe and Abylla

Painted in 1634, this work belongs to a ten-canvas series depicting the Labors of Hercules, commissioned by Philip IV of Spain for the Hall of Realms at the Buen Retiro Palace. Although the series was inventoried without attribution for centuries, documentation regarding payments to the artist confirmed Zurbarán's authorship in 1945. Scholarly interpretation of the specific mythological episode has evolved; while Elías Tormo identified the scene in 1911 as the separation of Mounts Calpe and Abyla, later researcher Rosa López Torrijos challenged this view.

Torrijos noted the episode's rarity in classical literature and suggested the composition might instead allude to the unification of territories, reflecting the Spanish monarchy's role as a cohesive force. Conversely, other historical accounts cite Baltasar de Vitoria's earlier references to the separation narrative, linking the imagery to the Habsburg motto and the geopolitical significance of the Pillars of Hercules for Spain.

Created in 1634, this oil on canvas by Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbarán portrays a scene from classical mythology in which the hero Hercules is shown separating the two promontories known as Calpe and Abyla. The work is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid and exemplifies the artist’s interest in dramatic narrative subjects.

The central figure is a robust, barefoot Hercules, his dark hair framing a focused expression as he lifts a massive stone with his right hand while clutching a smaller one in his left. The composition captures the moment of Herculean effort required to drive apart the twin pillars that frame the Strait of Gibraltar, symbolising the triumph of human strength over natural obstacles.