Hercules en Jole 1693

Samuel Bottschild created the etching ‘Hercules en Iole’ in the latter half of the 17th century. The artwork visualizes a moment of the famous mythological story about the hero Hercules, a narrative that speaks to the gendered dynamics of power and seduction. In the etching, Hercules is depicted with Iole, a princess he took as a war prize, along with a cupid and a dog. The hero who once performed twelve mighty labors, here is seen with a softer gaze. Iole sits beside him draped in fur. She stares off into the distance, perhaps contemplating her fate as a captive. The lion skin, traditionally worn by Hercules, is beneath her, a subtle transfer of power. Bottschild challenges the traditional heroic narrative of Hercules by highlighting his vulnerability to love and manipulation. The artist invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships, where strength and weakness intertwine. The setting may be mythological, but the power dynamics remain relevant today.