The Infant Hercules strangling the Serpents
Plaquette
16th century (made)
16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This plaquette showing Hercules strangling two serpents is made by an unknown artist in South Germany (probably in Nuremberg), in the 16th century.
The goddess Juno resented Hercules because he was the offspring of her husband's infidelity with the human Alcmena. She released two poisonous snakes into the infants room, but he strangled them using his superhuman strength.
Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology. He was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena, a Theban princess. He is regarded as the embodiment of physical strength and courage.
The goddess Juno resented Hercules because he was the offspring of her husband's infidelity with the human Alcmena. She released two poisonous snakes into the infants room, but he strangled them using his superhuman strength.
Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology. He was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena, a Theban princess. He is regarded as the embodiment of physical strength and courage.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Infant Hercules strangling the Serpents (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Lead in relief |
| Brief description | Plaquette, showing Hercules strangling two serpents, by an unknown artist, South Germany, possibly Nuremberg, 16th century |
| Physical description | The plaquette depicts the infant Hercules strangling two serpents. Hercules is naked except for a floating mantle and holds a writhing serpent in either hand. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Acquired in Nuremberg |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This plaquette showing Hercules strangling two serpents is made by an unknown artist in South Germany (probably in Nuremberg), in the 16th century. The goddess Juno resented Hercules because he was the offspring of her husband's infidelity with the human Alcmena. She released two poisonous snakes into the infants room, but he strangled them using his superhuman strength. Hercules (Greek name is Heracles) is one of the most important heroes in Greek mythology. He was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena, a Theban princess. He is regarded as the embodiment of physical strength and courage. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 4653-1859 |
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| Record created | June 18, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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