Hercules Strangling the Serpents 1608

Editor: This is Antonio Tempesta’s "Hercules Strangling the Serpents". It's a small etching, only about 10 by 14 centimeters. The scene is so dramatic! What symbolic meanings do you find woven into this image? Curator: The infant Hercules's triumph over snakes is a powerful visual motif. Note how Tempesta links Hercules to virtue. The peacock, a symbol of Juno, who is, in turn, symbolic of jealousy, represents the adversity he must overcome. Editor: So, the peacock isn’t just decorative? Curator: Not at all. The image is dense with symbols. The dog perhaps represents fidelity, the woman represents Hera. The image encapsulates the beginning of his lifelong trials. It is a potent narrative of destiny and inherent strength. Editor: I see it now. It’s fascinating how much meaning can be packed into such a small space.