# The Labours of Hercules

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/the-labours-of-hercules-r23b7bd71e835ad>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [CORNELIS VAN HAARLEM](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448>)
- Date: 1551-1600
- Technique: Oil on oak panel, 48 x 34 cm

## Commentary

In the present painting, the artist has depicted Hercules, the son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene, gesturing towards the heavens while standing amidst the bodies of several of the great creatures that he has slain or captured as part of his twelve labours. These bodies are those of the Nemean Lion, the Erymanthian Boar, and the Lernaean Hydra. The painting is a study of the idealised male nude, epitomised by this demi-god. Hercules&#39;s powerful nude body, seen from behind, entirely dominates the canvas. The image of the male nude from behind is a recurring motif throughout Cornelis van Haarlem&#39;s paintings and drawings.

## Related artworks

- [A Fool with Two Women](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/a-fool-with-two-women-r6e2d01d1f22787>)
- [Bathsheba](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/bathsheba-r021b0d787f13eb>)
- [Madonna and Child](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/madonna-and-child-r06e0d24c9daaae>)
- [Massacre of the Innocents \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/massacre-of-the-innocents-detail-re01b60a15c3494>)
- [Massacre of the Innocents](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/massacre-of-the-innocents-r1a3634724db5e5>)
- [Massacre of the Innocents](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/massacre-of-the-innocents-rb76c4df6b7aeba>)
- [Nymphs Discussing the Petrifying Effects of the Head of Medusa](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/nymphs-discussing-the-petrifying-effects-of-the-head-of-medusa-rcb9f5178c0dfd7>)
- [Temperance](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/temperance-r431710845d8f19>)
- [The Baptism of Christ](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/the-baptism-of-christ-r128b1f90b8149b>)
- [The Baptism of Christ](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/the-baptism-of-christ-r8a0a2d27fd844b>)
- [The Choice Between Young and Old](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/the-choice-between-young-and-old-r4649db5d5df6c5>)
- [The Fall of Man \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/cornelis-van-haarlem-rf8a6f87ed74448/the-fall-of-man-detail-rfdfa582e061b5e>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)