Hercules doodt Ladon en plukt de gouden appelen van de Hesperiden 1613 - 1638

Charles David created this engraving, "Hercules Killing Ladon and Picking the Golden Apples of the Hesperides," around the 1630s. Here, Hercules's violent acquisition of the golden apples, symbols of immortality, is a powerful statement about the nature of heroism. Drawn from classical mythology, its resurgence coincided with the rise of powerful centralized states and the expansion of European influence through colonialism. In this context, Hercules becomes a symbol of power and domination, reflecting the values of the ruling elite. The formal garden, with its strong verticals and horizontals, may reference the French formal garden, which served as an expression of control and power. Consider the role of institutions in shaping artistic production. Patrons, academies, and the art market all influenced the themes and styles that artists pursued. Understanding the social and institutional context of art helps us to interpret its meanings and significance. Further research into the artist's biography, the patronage system of the time, and the reception of classical mythology in 17th-century Europe would help to illuminate this engraving's historical significance.