Achelous Defeated by Hercules. The Origin of the Cornucopia. 1649

Jacob Jordaens’ oil on canvas, Achelous Defeated by Hercules. The Origin of the Cornucopia, is a Baroque painting that showcases a mastery of technique and material. Jordaens employed traditional methods of oil painting to produce this work, but consider how the materiality of paint itself – its viscous nature, its capacity for blending and layering – shapes the image. The lush, corpulent bodies, rendered with thick brushstrokes and luminous colors, reflect a culture of abundance and prosperity. The painting shows the moment Hercules breaks off the horn of Achelous, transforming it into a cornucopia, a symbol of unending plenty. The cornucopia, overflowing with fruits and flowers, and the well-fed figures speak volumes about the socioeconomic context in which this painting was produced. It celebrates a world of plentiful resources, yet it also speaks to the unequal distribution of wealth and the labor required to produce such abundance. By appreciating the materials and processes, we can better understand the painting’s cultural significance and the artist’s commentary on the world around him.