Engraving The Battle of Hercules and Procrates

The Battle of Hercules and Procrées is part of a set of 19 plates engraved by Jean Pesne in 1678, based on the series of the Twelve Labors of Hercules-trompe-l'œil medallions painted by Nicolas Poussin for the Grand Gallery of the Louvre. Hercules is depicted as a virile hero. He dominates the scene...

The Battle of Hercules and Procrées is part of a set of 19 plates engraved by Jean Pesne in 1678, based on the series of the Twelve Labors of Hercules-trompe-l'œil medallions painted by Nicolas Poussin for the Grand Gallery of the Louvre. Hercules is depicted as a virile hero. He dominates the scene and is about to strike his attacker, the giant Procrées with serpent legs, with a club. However, one of the snakes is biting Hercules' calf, and a second one to the right of the composition appears ready to attack. Thus, Nicolas Poussin chose to depict a moment of tension and intense struggle, even as the outcome of the battle remains uncertain.