Alkmene bevalt van Hercules 1678

This 1678 etching by Jean Pesne depicts the mythological scene of Alkmene giving birth to Hercules, the son of Zeus. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, shows Alkmene reclining in bed, while a midwife attends to her. The scene is framed by drapery and a bearded figure, possibly representing Zeus. The artist's meticulous detail in depicting the figures and the drapery, along with the use of light and shadow, brings a sense of realism and drama to the scene. Pesne, known for his historical and mythological subjects, captures the awe and wonder surrounding the birth of this legendary hero. The etching is a testament to the enduring appeal of classical myths and their artistic interpretations.