Hercules and Nessus, c. 1525-1561, Jacob Binck, German, about 1500-1569, 2 13/16 × 2 in. ( × cm) (sheet), Engraving, Germany, 16th century, In a comical turn, Jacob Binck conflated Hercules with the wreath-wearing Wild Man, a lustful, terrifying forest creature of medieval folklore. In myth, Hercules shoots the centaur Nessus with an arrow for offending his wife Deianeira. Here he demonstrates his brute strength (another Wild Man trait) with his gnarled club, a symbol of his virtue. His deflated foe literally bends to his will

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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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