The Labors of Hercules: Hercules and Antaeus c. 1528

This engraving by Gabriel Salmon, part of *The Labors of Hercules*, depicts Hercules and Antaeus locked in combat. The composition is a dynamic struggle, the figures of Hercules and Antaeus intertwine, their muscles bulging under the strain of their epic battle. Salmon’s use of line is particularly striking. The dense, cross-hatched lines create a sense of depth and volume, emphasizing the weight and power of the figures. Observe how the artist renders the texture of the rocky landscape, contrasting it with the smooth skin of the combatants. The scene pulsates with tension. Hercules lifts Antaeus away from the earth, depriving him of his source of strength. Note the placement of the figures against the backdrop of a classical city, grounding the mythological struggle in a tangible world. The print transcends simple illustration, becoming a meditation on strength, vulnerability, and the human condition. It reminds us that even the mightiest heroes face struggles that test the limits of their power and resilience.