Hercules Slaying the Hydra of Lerna
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-94-242
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the dramatic print *Hercules Slaying Hydra of Lerna* by French artist Michel Dorigny (1617–1665), created in 1651 This captivating work captures one of the most iconic labors of the mythological hero Hercules, who battles the monstrous, multi-headed Hydra in the swamps of Lerna. As a Baroque-era engraver and painter trained under Simon Vouet, Dorigny infused his compositions with dynamic energy, swirling forms, and intense emotion—hallmarks of the period's theatrical style that celebrated heroism and divine struggle. Mythological subjects like this were immensely popular in 17th-centur...