DÜRER, Albrecht
(b. 1471, Nürnberg, d. 1528, Nürnberg)

Hercules

c. 1496
Woodcut
British Museum, London

The possible explanation of this curious picture: Hercules is fighting for Iole, the daughter of Eurytos, whom, after his victory in the archery contest, he was permitted to woo, but nevertheless the father refuses his consent. Hereupon Hercules wins Iole by force and kills his father Eurytos. The old man with the ass's jaw is intended to personify Iole's feelings of distress. The outline and formation of the head of Hercules distinctly recall the Rape of the Women by Pollaiolo, which Dürer copied.




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