Hercules fighting against the Centaurs

In Greek mythology Hercules is the personification of strength and courage, based on his heroic efforts in completing twelve tasks imposed on him as a penance for slaying his children. The twelve labours, in which he triumphs over evil against great odds, are partly myth and partly heroic saga, reflecting his dual nature as god and hero.  

As can be seen from this set of plates, several of Hercules’s foes were monstrous creatures and included Cerberus, the multi-headed dog that guarded the entrance to Hades; the Lernaean hydra, a water snake, also multi-headed and with the ability to grow two more heads if one was cut; and the massive Nemean lion, whose fur was impenetrable to mortal weapons. 

The engraver Sebald Beham was one of several German engravers working at this time, who, due to their preference for creating small-scale engravings, were referred to as ’Little Masters’.  

Julie Robinson, Senior Curator, Prints, Drawings & Photographs