Hercules Gets Cerberus from the Underworld (Charon, the Ferryman of the Styx) 1645 - 1650

Jacob van Campen’s *Hercules Gets Cerberus from the Underworld (Charon, the Ferryman of the Styx)* depicts the Greek mythological hero Hercules wrestling with the three-headed dog Cerberus, the guardian of the underworld. Hercules is shown struggling to restrain the beast, who is depicted as ferocious with sharp claws and fangs. The painting uses a dramatic composition, with the figures of Hercules and Cerberus occupying the foreground, while the ferryman Charon is depicted in the background. The painting uses a dark and shadowy palette, which adds to the sense of the underworld’s darkness. The artwork is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the myth, and it is a fine example of the Dutch Baroque style, which is characterized by its dramatic composition, emphasis on light and shadow, and use of classical themes. The painting is currently located in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.