Hercules and Antaeus (with a Base Below) 1771 - 1800

This pen-and-ink drawing, titled "Hercules and Antaeus," created by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo in the late 18th century, depicts the Greek mythological scene of Hercules lifting Antaeus off the ground. This action is vital to Hercules' victory as Antaeus, the giant son of the earth goddess Gaia, gains strength from contact with the earth. The drawing features dynamic lines and masterful use of shading, characteristic of Tiepolo's style. The drawing, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Tiepolo's talent in capturing the dynamic energy and emotion of classical mythology.