Hercules op de tweesprong (in doos met 43 tekeningen) 1746

Louis Fabritius Dubourg made this drawing called 'Hercules at the Crossroads' with pen in the mid-18th century. In it, we see Hercules choosing between virtue and pleasure. This choice was seen as a metaphor for the moral decisions facing individuals in society at the time. Hercules, a classical hero, had become a popular symbol in the Dutch Republic, embodying civic duty and moral fortitude. This drawing, made during the Enlightenment, reflects the era's emphasis on reason and morality. The choice between virtue and pleasure also reflects the emerging social structures of the time, when the Dutch Republic was transitioning from a mercantile society to a more refined, aristocratic culture. Art academies promoted classical ideals and sought to elevate artistic taste. A study of Dutch moral emblems of the time can shed light on the painting’s cultural significance. As does the history of the Academy.