Hercules Tamed By Love. This mischievous God in his triumphant ways subjects all, kings, shepherds, heroes and gays, Alcide interrupts his dreaded exploits and binds him while Omphale overjoys. (Gallant poetry by Monsieur Sauzet), plate 25 from Histoire Ancienne 1842

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph titled *Hercules Tamed By Love* sometime in the mid-19th century. Daumier was a master of social commentary, and here, he playfully reimagines the classical myth of Hercules and Omphale. In this scene, we see Hercules, usually a figure of immense strength, humbled by love. Cupid, the mischievous god, dangles Hercules’ club out of reach while Omphale, the Lydian queen, watches with amusement. The roles are reversed: Hercules is reduced to a state of playful frustration, and Omphale is empowered, disrupting traditional representations of male heroism and female passivity. Daumier made this print during a time of significant social change in France, where traditional gender roles were being questioned. Through his art, Daumier offers a lighthearted yet subversive commentary on power, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. The print invites us to reflect on the ways love can transform even the mightiest among us.