Hercules Felling King Diomedes 1540 - 1546

Giulio Romano's "Hercules Felling King Diomedes" (1540-1546), a pen and brown ink drawing, depicts a scene from Greek mythology. The artwork showcases a dynamic and dramatic moment, capturing the struggle between the mighty hero Hercules and the monstrous King Diomedes, who is being attacked by one of his own savage, man-eating horses. The drawing, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a preparatory study for a larger fresco, demonstrating Romano's exceptional skill in depicting anatomy and movement, making it a notable example of High Renaissance art.