Hercules en Omphale c. 1728

This etching, “Hercules en Omphale”, was created in 1728 by Laurent Cars. The scene depicts the Greek hero Hercules, known for his strength, surrendering to the power of Omphale, the Queen of Lydia. Cupid, the god of love, stands in the foreground, adding to the theme of love and desire. Cars was known for his use of light and shadow, as seen in the composition of the figures and the landscape, which adds dramatic depth to the print. This engraving demonstrates the typical baroque style that Cars was known for.