Hendrick Goltzius (1558 - 1617)
The Great Hercules
Title
The Great Hercules
Dating
1589
Material/Technique
Copper engraving on paper
Dimensions
Mått 56,10 x 40,30 cm
Category
Inventory number
G Q 191/1911
Acquisition
Gift of Oscar Quensel, 1911
Display Status
Not on display at the museum
Description
Well-muscled men were a recurring theme for Hendrick Goltzius, and The Great Hercules must be considered the foremost of them.
There were several reasons for Goltzius to depict Hercules. In this age, the renowned hero of Greek and Roman mythology was often associated with the Dutch struggle for freedom from Spanish rule, which started in 1568. Interpreted in this context, Hercules’ exaggerated muscles can be understood as a way of emphasizing the strength of the Dutch nation.
Furthermore, the huge number of muscles – note the toes – gave Goltzius more leeway to shine as a printmaker. Through the engraved lines he was able to define the form of the muscles with absolute clarity. The Great Hercules is therefore regarded as one of his finest prints.
Signature/Inscription
Signature (Nere i mitten i plåten): HGoltzius Inuent. et sculpt. A 1589.
Inscriptions (nedtill i plåten): Amphitryoniade virtus . . . .
Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till vänster): GKM
Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till höger): GM
Inscriptions (a tergo vänster sida): G. Storck a Milano 1798.
In. A 5621
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): 1296
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): B. XII 142 I pag 44.17.
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till höger): 844
191/1911
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till höger): 101/186/
Exhibition History
Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020
Literature
Kristoffer Arvidsson, Per Dahlström, Björn Fredlund, Anna Hyltze, Philippa Nanfeldt, Isabella Nilsson, Johan Sjöström, Samlingen Göteborgs konstmuseum, red. Kristoffer Arvidsson, Per Dahlström, Anna Hyltze, Göteborgs konstmuseum, Göteborg 2014., p. 70, ill. p. 72
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