17. Hans Sebald Beham
(1500-1550)

Hercules Slaying Antaeus

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Beham, Hercules Slaying Antaeus

Hercules Slaying Antaeus

Engraving, 1545, 49 x 72 mm., Bartsch 105, Pauli 103 ii/iv, from The Labors of Hercules. A fine, harmonious impression on laid paper with narrow margins almost all around. Antaeus was invincible as long as he had contact with the earth, from which he derived his strength. To defeat him, Hercules held him aloft, draining his strength and ultimately killing him. Again, this is not one of the classical labors, but an incident occurring on Hercules' return journey from the Hesperides, where he stole the golden apples.