The Infant Hercules with a Serpent 1700 - 1722

"The Infant Hercules with a Serpent" is an oil painting by Dutch Baroque artist Pieter van der Werff, created between 1700 and 1722. The work depicts the mythological hero Hercules as a baby, strangling a serpent in his crib. The scene is set in a luxurious bedroom with a window looking out onto a garden. Van der Werff was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create lifelike portraits. His paintings often featured subjects from mythology and history, which made him a favorite of European royalty. The use of soft light and warm colors, combined with the realistic depiction of the baby Hercules, contribute to the sense of tenderness and vulnerability that is evident in the work.