Search "" as a keyword...
Filter suggestionsContinue typing to see suggestions...
Mythology & Putti

Mythology & Putti

AFTER GIUSEPPE NICCOLÒ VICENTINO (ACTIVE C. 1530-50)

Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion

c.1515-1550

Woodcut | 29.9 x 41.7 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 851852

An impression of just the black line block of an anonymous chiaroscuro woodcut based on a print by Nicoló Vicentino, from which it differs notably in the altered and enlarged landscape. A first state of the chiaroscuro at RCIN 851846; a second state at RCIN 851847. Another impression of this plate at RCIN 851853.

The authorship of the original design is a matter of dispute, with some scholars supporting the traditional attribution to Raphael (Oberhuber/Gnann 1999), and others suggesting that the composition may derive from a drawing by Giulio Romano related to the fresco of the same subject in the Sala dei Cavalli in the Palazzo Te, Mantua, part of a cycle illustrating the ‘Labours of Hercules’ (Raphael Invenit 1985, p.249, VII.6). The decoration of the room was designed by Giulio, and executed by Rinaldo Mantovano and Benedetto Pagni between 1527 and 1528.

  • Creator(s)

    After Giuseppe Niccolò Vicentino (active c. 1530-50) (wood cutter)

    After Giulio Romano (Rome c. 1499-Mantua 1546) (designer)

  • 29.9 x 41.7 cm (sheet of paper)

  • Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)

  • Subject(s)
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Fiction
          • Tales & legends
            • Myths
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Religions of antiquity
          • Classical mythology
            • Hercules
  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    p.249, no.VII.7 (Raphael Invenit 1985 : Bernini Pezzini, G. et al., 1985. Raphael Invenit. Stampe di Raffaello nelle Collezioni dell'Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica, Rome)
    p.112 (Oberhuber/Gnann 1999 : Roma e lo stile classico di Raffaello, 1515-1527 / a cura di Konrad Oberhuber ; catalogo di Achim Gnann, 1999)