Hercules and Antaeus 1541

"Hercules and Antaeus" is a 1541 etching by the Monogrammist F.S., currently housed in the Städel Museum. The print depicts the Greek hero Hercules lifting Antaeus, a giant with superhuman strength who received power from the earth, off his feet to defeat him. The scene is rendered in meticulous detail, with emphasis on the anatomical structure of the figures, showcasing the artist's interest in High Renaissance style. The composition emphasizes the dynamic struggle between the two figures, capturing the intensity of the mythological battle.