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The Farnese Hercules

Hendrik Goltzius

1592

ink

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Renaissance Renaissance Mythology Buttocks

Dominant colour

The Farnese Hercules is a 1592 ink by Hendrik Goltzius, a Renaissance work, depicting Buttocks, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Hendrik Goltzius
When & what style?: 1592 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

The Farnese Hercules is a strong man standing with a big club. He's leaning on the club, looking tired. The details in this engraving are interesting because Goltzius used a tool called a burin to create sharp lines. The burin lets artists make lines with different widths, which adds depth to the picture. Check out the work of artist: Goltzius, Hendrick.

The story of this work

Overview

The engraving depicts two figures observing a statue of Hercules from behind, rendered in the precise technique of burin engraving. Hendrik Goltzius employs varying burin pressure to create lines that convey the statue's form and dynamism. The work exemplifies Goltzius's mastery of the medium, showcasing his ability to capture detail and energy through controlled linework.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

See the richer artist page