The Labors of Hercules: The Pillars of Hercules c. 1528

This woodcut by Gabriel Salmon, created around 1528, depicts the Greek hero Hercules performing one of his twelve labors: separating the Pillars of Hercules. The print shows Hercules, a powerful figure with a muscular physique, pushing apart the massive pillars with all his might. The image highlights his superhuman strength and serves as a visual representation of a famous myth. The detail of the defeated serpent at Hercules' feet further emphasizes the hero's victory and contributes to the drama of the scene. This artwork, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the enduring appeal of classical mythology and the artistic interpretation of these stories.