print
- Museum number
- 1845,0825.794
- Description
-
Hercules and the Hydra, after Antonio Pollaiuolo; Hercules, nude except for the lion's skin, attacking the many-headed monster beside him with a burning torch; a cave in the left background; a hawk pouncing on a heron in mid-air; signed lower centre: 'RBTA'. c.1500-20
Engraving
- Production date
- 1500-1520 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 232 millimetres
-
Width: 185 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- This is the second state of the print, in which clouds and two birds are added in the sky. Examples of the first state are in London (P&D 1895-9-15-84; see this entry for a fuller discussion of the print), Vienna and Zürich.
For a discussion of Robetta's oeuvre see Hind D.II.4 (P&D Kk.8.30).
The hunting motif of the hawk swooping down or stooping on a heron was a popular one since the Middle Ages and is found in several sixteenth and seventeenth emblems.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
2003-4 Dec-April, Athens, National Gallery, 'In the Light of Apollo'
- Acquisition date
- 1845
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1845,0825.794