The Triumph of Hercules
Granted immortality by Jupiter, Hercules is carried up to Olympus in a chariot drawn by centaurs. The subjugation of the half-breed creatures in this image may allude to Hercules's successful battle with them, often counted among his labors. A reference to the centaur Nessus, who was responsible for Hercules's death, could also be intended. Beneath the chariot, a cupid holds up the snake that Hercules had strangled in his cradle, while another rides Cerberus, the three-headed hellhound whose capture had been the hero's final labor.
The painting reproduced in this print, now lost, was the only one of a series of four commissioned by the court in Saint Petersburg that was painted by Domenico. The other three were painted by his father, Giambattista, and etched by his brother Lorenzo.
The painting reproduced in this print, now lost, was the only one of a series of four commissioned by the court in Saint Petersburg that was painted by Domenico. The other three were painted by his father, Giambattista, and etched by his brother Lorenzo.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Triumph of Hercules
- Artist: Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (Italian, Venice 1727–1804 Venice)
- Date: ca. 1750–80
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: Sheet: 27 13/16 × 20 1/2 in. (70.6 × 52.1 cm)
Plate: 27 1/4 × 20 1/16 in. (69.2 × 51 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1922
- Object Number: 22.81.94
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.