Plate 15: Hercules standing in a niche, wearing a lion skin and holding a club, viewed from behind, with his head turned to the left, from "Mythological Gods and Goddesses" 1526

Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio created this engraving of Hercules in the 16th century, a period when classical ideals of beauty and heroism were being revived. Consider the implications of depicting Hercules from behind. This perspective shifts the focus from his face and actions to his muscular physique, emphasizing his strength and virility as the defining aspects of his identity. Hercules is often celebrated as a symbol of masculine power, but it's important to acknowledge that these depictions can reinforce narrow definitions of masculinity, excluding other forms of strength and heroism. The lion skin he wears and the club he carries are not just symbols of his triumphs but also reminders of his role as a conqueror. How might we view Hercules differently if we considered the perspectives of those he conquered or the labor required to perform his feats? What does it mean to celebrate a hero whose achievements are rooted in violence and domination? This image invites us to reflect on the complexities of heroism.