Hercules conquering the Molionide Twins 1493 - 1496

Albrecht Dürer's "Hercules Conquering the Molionide Twins" is a woodcut from 1493-1496 that depicts the Greek hero Hercules defeating the monstrous twins, the Molionidae, who are depicted as both human and monstrous in nature. The scene is set in a landscape with trees, a river, and a distant city. Dürer’s detailed and realistic portrayal of the scene highlights his masterful use of perspective and light and shadow. The woodcut demonstrates Dürer’s early mastery of the medium and reflects his interest in classical mythology, which he was influenced by during his travels to Italy. The artwork is currently on display at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst.