Hercules op de tweesprong 1576 - 1599

"Hercules at the Crossroads" is an engraving by the Flemish artist Hieronymus Wierix, created between 1576 and 1599. It depicts the Greek hero Hercules, standing at a crossroads, contemplating his fate. One path, led by Virtue, promises a difficult but rewarding journey, while the other, led by Fortune, offers ease and pleasure. The artwork, a small print with intricate details, highlights the moral dilemma faced by Hercules. It emphasizes the virtues of hard work and perseverance versus the temptations of immediate gratification, a theme that resonated with the audience of its time.