On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02043
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Hercules and Cerberus
- Chronology
- Ca. 1636
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 27 cm x 28,8 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- DONACION
- Procedence
- Donation by the Duchess widow of Pastrana, 1889
The mythological hero fights
against the fearful three-headed
dog that guards the Underworld
while two figures, possibly the
Underworld's titular gods, Pluto
and Proserpina, watch the scene in
terror.
Rubens was directly inspired by
Ovid's Metamorphosis in his
depiction of this test of Hercules,
though it is also described in
other classical texts, such as
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
This is one of the most expressive
of all the sketches made for the
projected decoration of the Torre
de la Parada. It was developed on
canvas on several occasions by at
least three of Rubens' assistants.
Location on the map
