Hercules and Cerberus 1586 - 1629

Aegidius Sadeler II's engraving *Hercules and Cerberus* from 1586-1629 depicts the Greek hero Hercules dragging the three-headed dog Cerberus out of the Underworld. The print showcases Sadeler's mastery of detail, with the muscular forms of Hercules and the monstrous Cerberus rendered with striking clarity. The fiery background and the inscription on the bottom of the print further contribute to the powerful and dramatic scene. This print, now located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a prime example of the 16th and 17th century Dutch tradition of printmaking.