Hercules vecht met Geryoneus (?) 1575 - 1579

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, Hercules vecht met Geryoneus (?), at an unknown date. In this tumultuous scene, we witness a battle that goes beyond mere physical confrontation, reflecting deeper cultural anxieties around power and identity. The hyper-masculine figure of Hercules, is set against Geryoneus in a struggle laden with gendered implications and colonial undertones. Consider the historical backdrop of Goltzius's time, a period marked by exploration and conquest. How do these themes resonate in the depiction of Hercules, the hero, against Geryoneus the presumed antagonist? The emotional intensity of the scene draws us in, challenging us to consider the narratives we inherit and the ones we create. Goltzius invites us to question not only the representation of strength and heroism, but also the social and political landscapes that elevate certain figures while marginalizing others.