Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion

after 1550

Etching | 25.5 x 19.6 cm (print) (sheet of paper) | RCIN 851849

An etching reproducing, in reverse, a composition known through a chiaroscuro woodcut by Nicoló Vicentino (see RCINs 851846 and 851847 for it). The print credits Raphael as the designer at lower right. Laid down on a sheet with various annotations, including the initials of Peter Visher at lower right (Lugt 2116), whose collector's mark is visible at lower left (Lugt 2115). This print was not included in Ruland's Raphael Collection catalogue (1876). Another impression of this plate at RCIN 851848.

The authorship of the 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). The decoration of the room was designed by Giulio, and executed by Rinaldo Mantovano and Benedetto Pagni between 1527 and 1528.

A first state impression of the chiaroscuro woodcut by Vicentino at RCIN 851846; a second state at RCIN 851847.

Creator(s)

After Giulio Romano (Rome c. 1499-Mantua 1546) (designer)
annotation: Raphael inv. / 91 / 3 [backing sheet, front, in pencil]

annotation: P.V. [backing sheet, front, in purple ink; the initials refer to Peter Vischer (Lugt 2116)]

annotation: 3. [backing sheet, front, in brown ink]

annotation: W 1956. / Jearce [?] / N.2 page 649 / 57 [backing sheet, back, in pencil]
25.5 x 19.6 cm (print) (sheet of paper)

29.9 x 22.5 cm (mount)
Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (after 1876)
Subject(s)
- Language, Linguistics and Literature
  Literature
  Fiction
  Tales & legends
  Myths
- Religion & Theology
  Religions and faiths
  Religions of antiquity
  Classical mythology
  Hercules
Object type(s)
Bibliographic reference(s)

Raphael Invenit 1985 : G. Bernini Pezzini et al., Raphael Invenit. Stampe di Raffaello nelle Collezioni dell'Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica, Rome, 1985 p.249, no.VII.6

Oberhuber/Gnann 1999 : Roma e lo stile classico di Raffaello, 1515-1527 / a cura di Konrad Oberhuber ; catalogo di Achim Gnann, 1999 p.112

Other number(s)

Ruland p.137 D.LVIII.7a(add)

Mythology & Putti

Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion

Creator(s)

Subject(s)

Object type(s)

Bibliographic reference(s)

Other number(s)

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