Hercules met de zodiak op de achtergrond 1732

This engraving of Hercules with the zodiac in the background was made in 1732 by Bernard Picart. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the figure of Hercules was often used to allegorize masculine strength and virtue, aligning with the patriarchal values of the time. Here, Hercules is framed within an elaborate cartouche, a shield-like design which features the zodiac, hinting at cosmic forces aligning with his strength. Hercules is depicted semi-nude, with a club, suggesting both his power and his primal nature. This image isn't just about physical strength, but it also plays into the historical construction of masculinity, linking it to power and control. It’s interesting to consider how Picart uses Hercules, a figure from classical mythology, to reinforce the societal values of his time, all while subtly acknowledging the influence of celestial powers. The emotional weight of the image lies in its assertion of control, both human and divine, over the chaos of existence.