Choice of Hercules 1819

Thomas Sully's 1819 painting "Choice of Hercules" depicts the titular hero at a crossroads. He is presented with two paths, represented by the figures of Virtue and Vice, each attempting to persuade him. The figures are situated in a classical landscape, with a group of figures representing the vices in the background. Sully's style is characterized by a strong sense of realism and detail, contributing to the work's enduring appeal. The painting is a popular example of Neoclassical art, a movement that sought to revive the ideals and aesthetics of ancient Greece and Rome.