Hercules Fighting the Rivergod Achelus

Heinrich Aldegrever

National Gallery of Art

This drawing depicts a powerful figure standing over a defeated serpent-like creature. The scene shows a muscular figure holding another similarly muscular, bearded figure in a dynamic pose. The defeated creature lies on the ground, surrounded by stones and a spear. In the background, there is a detailed view of a town or settlement beside a body of water, with intricately detailed trees adding a natural element to the scene. The piece is rich in line work and texture.