Hercules Slaying Envy 1633 - 1634

Christoffel Jegher’s “Hercules Slaying Envy” (1633-1634) is a masterful example of Baroque engraving. The scene depicts the Greek hero Hercules battling the personification of Envy, whose serpentine form is being crushed beneath Hercules’ foot. A winged putto hovers above, symbolizing victory over vice, as Hercules brandishes a club. The dramatic composition, chiaroscuro contrasts, and detailed anatomical rendering characteristic of the Baroque style are evident in this print, showcasing Jegher's mastery of the medium.