# Hercules at the Crossroads

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/hercules-at-the-crossroads-rb412703776027c>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [BAGLIONE, Giovanni](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803>)
- Date: 1601-1650
- Technique: Oil on canvas, 132 x 137 cm

## Commentary

Hercules in Greek mythology is the personification of physical strength and courage. Hercules at the crossroad \(the choice of Hercules\) is an allegory which depicts the hero choosing between the figures who personify Virtue and Vice, each of whom invites him to follow her. He chose the former. In this painting Virtue take the form of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and Hercules&#39; mentor. She wears armour.

## Related artworks

- [Clio](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/clio-r0a15477aad3ec8>)
- [Heavenly Love and Earthly Love](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/heavenly-love-and-earthly-love-r1a8d850c5fc528>)
- [Judith and the Head of Holofernes](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/judith-and-the-head-of-holofernes-r6edca50d648486>)
- [Sacred and Profane Love](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/sacred-and-profane-love-r8edef55212027f>)
- [St John the Baptist in the Wilderness](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/st-john-the-baptist-in-the-wilderness-r0369a7ca3f82d5>)
- [St Sebastian Healed by an Angel](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/st-sebastian-healed-by-an-angel-rf0709f0693ee04>)
- [St Sebastian Succoured by the Angels](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/st-sebastian-succoured-by-the-angels-r10e12101c6a8ab>)
- [The Dream of St Joseph](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/the-dream-of-st-joseph-re0df61821f17e2>)
- [The Ecstasy of St Francis](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/the-ecstasy-of-st-francis-ra7f3dd0db3503d>)
- [The Virgin and the Child with Angels](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/baglione-giovanni-r5d2f95d3542803/the-virgin-and-the-child-with-angels-r9674b6482ba03b>)

## Attribution

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