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Hans Sebald Beham

The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Abducting Iole

1544
engraving

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FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

Hercules avenges an old insult by killing King Eurytus and his sons, and abducting his daughter, Iole. Years before, Eurytus had promised Iole to anyone who could beat him at archery. When he lost the contest to Hercules, the king cheated Hercules out of his rightful prize. Beham was one of several German printmakers referred to today as the “Little Masters.” They established their artistic prowess by engraving remarkably small prints, appealing to collectors fascinated with miniature objects and curiosities.

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