Hercules with Omphale 1535

Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Hercules with Omphale" (1535) depicts the famed Greek hero Hercules, forced to serve the queen of Lydia, Omphale, as punishment for his crimes. This Renaissance painting showcases Cranach's signature style, with its vibrant colors, detailed figures, and attention to costume and drapery. The scene is imbued with a sense of irony, as the powerful hero is presented as a subdued and subservient figure, symbolizing the fragility of even the most heroic character.