Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion c. 16th century

Curator: Ugo da Carpi created this chiaroscuro woodcut, "Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion," in the early 16th century. The print showcases the hero's strength in graphic detail. Editor: It feels claustrophobic. The way Hercules and the lion are crammed into that small space makes me feel anxious. I can only imagine the struggle. Curator: Da Carpi's use of contrasting tones emphasizes the drama. Note how the light highlights Hercules’s muscular physique and the lion’s ferocious expression. This would have resonated deeply with a Renaissance audience familiar with classical mythology. Editor: The lion seems almost human, which complicates my reading. Is this about human triumph over the animal, or something more nuanced about our own inner struggles? Curator: It's a potent symbol, regardless. The heroic figure dominating over a monstrous one. I think its meaning is as relevant today as it was then. Editor: Yes, seeing such an ancient myth rendered with such physical immediacy truly speaks to the enduring nature of power and resistance.