Who painted The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus?

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus was painted by Sebald Beham in 1545.

Where can I see The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus?

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus?

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus?

Museum-quality prints of The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus

Sebald Beham , 1545

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus is a print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1923.120.9
Credit line: Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.

About this work

Notice how light and shadow fight on Cacus’s body, Beham’s lines feel almost three-dimensional.

This engraving shows Hercules strangling the giant Cacus. A beastly figure lies under the hero’s grip while fire spouts from a cave behind. Beham packs muscle and drama into every line, making the tiny print feel huge.

The German artist was part of the “Little Masters.” They carved super-small prints that collectors loved like tiny treasures. Notice how light and shadow fight on Cacus’s body, Beham’s lines feel almost three-dimensional.

Want to see more? Look up Hans Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550).

Overview

This small engraving by Hans Sebald Beham is part of a series depicting the Labors of Hercules. The print shows Hercules killing the giant Cacus, a scene from classical mythology.

Subject & Meaning

The scene represents Hercules, a demigod hero, overcoming the monstrous Cacus. The story is drawn from ancient mythology, highlighting Hercules' strength and bravery.

Technique & Style

Beham's engraving is characterized by its intricate detail and use of line to convey texture and depth. The contrast between light and shadow on Cacus's body creates a sense of volume and drama.

Context

Beham was a member of a group of German printmakers known as the 'Little Masters', who specialized in creating small, detailed engravings that appealed to collectors of miniature objects.