About this artwork
The exact subject of this print has been widely debated. It is assumed that it depicts a scene from classical mythology; the demi-god Hercules slaying the conjoined twin sons of Molione and Poseidon. According to the legend, the brothers Eurytos and Kteatos were hatched from a silver egg and nobody could rival the strength of their joined bodies. They led the army of their uncle, King Augeias, but were finally killed by Hercules. This woodcut was executed after Dürer’s journey to Italy in 1496. The unusual subject matter might have been suggested by his humanist friends.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Albrecht Dürer (1471 - 1528) German
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title:Hercules Conquering the Molionide Twins
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date created:About 1496
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materials:Woodcut on paper
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measurements:39.00 x 28.30 cm
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object type:
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accession number:P 6190
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gallery:
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subject:
Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer
Dürer made a great impact on European art through his outstanding skills as a draughtsman and printmaker. He was also an accomplished painter and writer of theoretical treatises on measurement and proportion, and helped raise the status of artists in his native Germany. Born in Nuremberg, the son...
