Hercules Slays the Centaurs (Jupiter Defeating the Centaurs) 1645 - 1650

"Hercules Slays the Centaurs (Jupiter Defeating the Centaurs)" is a 17th-century oil painting by Jacob van Campen, depicting a dramatic scene from Greek mythology. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases a dynamic composition with Hercules (or Jupiter) engaging in a fierce battle with two centaurs. The figures are rendered in a masterful chiaroscuro style, emphasizing the contrasting light and dark tones for a heightened sense of depth and drama. Van Campen's depiction of the mythological struggle captures the viewer's attention with its dynamic energy and visual storytelling.