Hercules

(proper noun)

Son of Jupiter and Alcmene, a celebrated hero who possessed exceptional strength. Most famous for his 12 labors performed to redeem himself after killing his family.

Related Terms

Examples of Hercules in the following topics:

  • The Ancient Greek Gods and Their Temples

    • The two most important heroes are Perseus and Hercules.
    • Hercules was a strong but unkind man, a drunkard who conducted huge misdeeds and social faux pas.
    • Hercules was sent on twelve labors to atone for his sins as punishment for his misdeeds.
    • Hercules bringing Cerberus back to King Eurystheus.

  • Mannerist Sculpture

    • For example, Baccio Bandinelli took over the project of Hercules and Cacus from Michelangelo, although his work was maliciously compared by Benvenuto Cellini to "a sack of melons."

  • Imperial Sculpture under the Nervan-Antonines

    • Commodus also believed he was the reincarnation of Hercules and claimed power from Hercules's father, Jupiter.
    • He even commissioned portraits of himself as Hercules.

  • Sculpture

    • It also features characters like John the Baptist and Hercules.

  • Painting and Sculpture

    • Cupid fashioning his bow from Hercules' club, by Edmé Bouchardon, 1747–50: Rococo in subject and treatment

  • Roman Architecture under the Republic

    • Examples can be found in the Temple of Hercules Victor (late second century BCE), in the Forum Boarium in Rome.

  • Ostia

    • Close by is the Temple to Hercules, and throughout the city are temples dedicated to gods related to shipping and commerce, as well temples built by guilds, such as the ship builders or the rope makers, for their patron gods.

  • Painting

    • Another Fourth Style triclinium depicts scenes from the lives of Hercules and Theseus.

  • Italian Gothic Sculpture: The Pisano Family

    • The pulpit incorporates a dramatic depiction of nine scenes from the New Testament carved in white marble with a chiaroscuro effect and a naturalistic carving of a nude Hercules.

  • Architecture under Hadrian

    • Within close proximity is the Temple to Hercules, and throughout the city are temples dedicated to gods related to shipping and commerce, as well temples built by guilds, such as the ship builders or the rope makers, for their patron gods.