Hercules and Omphale 1504 - 1514

"Hercules and Omphale" is a tempera on poplar panel painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Pinturicchio. It depicts the Greek mythological hero Hercules, who was forced to serve the Queen of Lydia, Omphale, as a punishment for his crimes. Pinturicchio uses gold leaf to create a rich background, highlighting the figures and their actions. The scene is filled with symbolism, including a flock of goats on the left and a cow on the right, representing Hercules’ servitude. The painting exemplifies the early 16th-century Umbrian style, characterized by its use of bright colors and detailed figures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this artwork.