Gustave Moreau
French, 1826­1898
Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra
1875/76
Oil on canvas
179.3 x 154 cm
Gift of Mrs. Eugene A. Davidson, 1964.231

In the second of his twelve great labors, the Greek hero Hercules fought the Hydra, a deadly nine-headed serpent which grew two new heads whenever one was cut off.

Rather than showing the battle itself, Moreau chose to paint the tense moment before combat begins. The young, athletic Hercules stands alert and controlled, ready for the slightest aggressive movement from the Hydra. Below them lies the pale body of the Hydra’s latest victim—a death soon to be avenged by Hercules.