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The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Lernean Hydra

Hans Sebald Beham

Cleveland Museum of Art

The image depicts a black-and-white woodcut of two nude men fighting a multi-headed serpent-like creature. The man on the left has short hair and holds a club-like object with a club-like head over his right shoulder. He is leaning back with his left leg bent and right leg extended. The man on the right has short hair and holds a similar object in both hands. He is positioned with his left leg bent and right leg extended. The creature has multiple long necks and heads, some of which are biting or appearing to bite the men. The creature's body is coiled on the ground. A tree with dense foliage appears behind the combatants. Atop the image is a scroll with text.

Artwork Details

Dimensions
1263 × 876 px
Museum Record
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Palette