Hercules bedwingt Cerberus 1613 - 1638

This etching by Flemish artist Charles David, created between 1613 and 1638, depicts the Greek mythological hero Hercules subduing the three-headed dog Cerberus. Hercules is shown in the foreground, using his strength to restrain the beast, while two female figures watch from a cave above. The scene is set against a dramatic landscape with swirling clouds, emphasizing the power and danger of this mythical encounter. The etching, part of the Rijksmuseum collection, is a fine example of the artist's skill in depicting both the human form and the grotesque. This piece, measuring 224 mm high and 285 mm wide, provides a visual representation of a famous story from Greek mythology.