Hercules and Omphale

Artist Aegidius Sadeler II (Flemish, about 1570–1629)

Artistafter Bartholomaeus Spranger (Flemish, 1546–1611)

Dateabout 1600

Mediumengraving on cream laid paper

Dimensions42.9 x 31.3 cm (image), 43.8 x 31.9 cm (sheet)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineSarah C. Garver Fund

Terms

Object number2000.73

Label TextGillis—whose formal name was the Latinized Aegidius— Sadeler was most prominent in his extended family of printmakers. He trained in Antwerp and Italy, and worked in family shops before moving to Prague in 1597. He lived with Spranger, and won an appointment in the imperial workshops. He became a leading figure in the final flourish of Northern Mannerism. As penance for a violent crime, Hercules had to serve as slave for a year to Omphale, queen of Lydia. She made him do women’s work, and wear their clothes while she wore his lion skin mantle.ProvenancePia Gallo, New York, NY

On View

Not on view