Hercules and the Nemean lion

This drawing by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640), executed in red and black chalk, shows the ancient hero Hercules at its centre. He is depicted slightly bent forward, clutching the head of the Nemean lion with his left arm.

This theme, derived from one of the Twelve Labours of Hercules, was depicted by Rubens on several occasions. He sought a pose for the hero that would be acceptable from the artist’s point of view. This resulted in a Hercules with three right legs and two left legs.

The drawing has been dated by various art historians either to after 1630 or to around 1613–1616.