Variant voor medaillon: Hercules met Cerberus 1692 - 1749

This pen and wash drawing, "Variant voor medaillon: Hercules met Cerberus," by Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Huysum, is a preliminary sketch for a medal design. The artwork depicts the Greek hero Hercules standing over the three-headed dog Cerberus, a creature that guarded the entrance to the underworld. Van Huysum's refined draftsmanship and elegant composition are evident in this study, which was likely created between 1692 and 1749. The artist's masterful use of light and shadow lends a sense of depth and realism to the figures, making this a compelling example of his artistic talent.