Artwork preview

Hercules and the Nemean Lion

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a human figure wrestling with a lion. The drawing shows a muscular, nude human grappling with a lion. The human figure has their back to the viewer and appears to be exerting strength while facing the fierce lion, which is standing on its hind legs. The drawing features bold lines and detailed shading that emphasizes the musculature of both figures, showcasing the tension and interaction between the man and the beast. The composition conveys movement and conflict through the entwined positioning of the two figures.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1550
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
3334 × 4018 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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