Hercules and Cerberus
Relief
ca. 1650 (made)
ca. 1650 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This bronze relief is Flemish, made in the middle of the 17th century. It depicts Hercules and Cerberus.
Hercules had to defeat and bring back Cerberus in his 12th and final labour, which was also the most difficult one. Cerberus is a multi-headed hound (usually shown as three) with the tail of a serpent, who guards the underworld Hades. Pluto allowed Hercules to take the beast given that he does so without any weapons. Hercules succeeded by catching it at the throat.
Hercules had to defeat and bring back Cerberus in his 12th and final labour, which was also the most difficult one. Cerberus is a multi-headed hound (usually shown as three) with the tail of a serpent, who guards the underworld Hades. Pluto allowed Hercules to take the beast given that he does so without any weapons. Hercules succeeded by catching it at the throat.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Hercules and Cerberus (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Cast bronze |
| Brief description | Relief, bronze, Hercules and Cerberus, Flemish, circa 1650 |
| Physical description | Oval relief. Hercules stands holding a club in his right hand and resting it on his shoulders. In his left hand he holds a lead that's attached to Cerberus, who stands behind him. He wears the pelt of a lion around his shoulders. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh |
| Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1952. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This bronze relief is Flemish, made in the middle of the 17th century. It depicts Hercules and Cerberus. Hercules had to defeat and bring back Cerberus in his 12th and final labour, which was also the most difficult one. Cerberus is a multi-headed hound (usually shown as three) with the tail of a serpent, who guards the underworld Hades. Pluto allowed Hercules to take the beast given that he does so without any weapons. Hercules succeeded by catching it at the throat. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.67-1952 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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