Hercules en de Hydra van Lerna 1613 - 1670

Francesco Curti's etching "Hercules en de Hydra van Lerna" (1613-1670) depicts the Greek hero Hercules battling the multi-headed Lernaean Hydra, a serpent-like creature with venomous breath. The print features a dynamic composition, with Hercules shown in the midst of the fight, wielding a club while standing over the Hydra's body. The image also includes a coat of arms, likely representing a patron or commissioner, adding a personal touch to this classic mythological scene. The intricate details and chiaroscuro effects of the engraving highlight Curti's technical mastery of the medium. This work is a striking example of 17th-century Italian Baroque art, known for its dramatic depictions of mythological subjects.