Mythology - Italian School 17th - Heracles Stealing Geryon's Oxen

SALE AT COST PRICE:
Oil on canvas from the Italian school of the late 17th century, depicting a mythological scene inspired by the exploits of Hercules. This work illustrates the famous episode where Hercules steals the cattle of Geryon, under the gaze of the Nymphs of the Hesperides, one of the Twelve Labors, the 10th to be precise.

On the right, the Nymphs of the Hesperides add a poetic and legendary touch to the composition.

This piece is inspired by an engraving by the master Giulio Bonasone (or Giulio de Antonio Buonasone), a renowned artist of the Italian Renaissance, active in the 16th century. Bonasone, born in Bologna around 1498, is known for his works that combine narrative power and graphic elegance, which is reflected here in a refined pictorial interpretation.
This painting has been relined to ensure its conservation and features a warm colour palette, typical of Italian productions of this period, as well as an attention to detail inspired by Renaissance aesthetics. It is a work steeped in history and mythology, perfect for art lovers and collectors

Dimensions: 96 x 61 cm
Condition: Good general condition, relined.

Very careful shipping

#OldPainting #OilOnCanvas #ItalianArt #Mythology #Hercules #HerculesWorks #ItalianSchool #Antiques #GiulioBonasone #ClassicalArt #Collector #RenaissanceArt

The Oxen of Geryon
Eurystheus demanded that Heracles bring him the red oxen of Geryon, a colossal giant, whose body consisted of three bodies. Geryon was king of Tarlessos, in Spain, a city located in Andalusia. He owned a herd of oxen of great beauty, guarded by a shepherd, Eurytheon, and by a monstrous two-headed dog, Orthos.
To obey this new order, Heracles set out towards the West along the African coast. Arriving at the strait that separates Europe from Africa, he erected two columns, one on each continent, to commemorate his passage. They have since been called the Pillars of Hercules.
At this place, the very burning sun inconvenienced Heracles, who bent his bow and shot an arrow at him. Astonished by this audacity, the Sun, to appease the valiant hero and allow him to continue his journey, lent him the golden cup that carries him across the ocean and guides him to the shores where he returns to the sky to light up the Earth.
So Heracles embarked in the cup and reached the end of his journey. He spent the night spying on the herds. The two-headed dog, Orthos, barked but Heracles knocked him out with a blow from his club. He did the same to the cowherd, who had rushed to the aid of his dog, then he shot a fatal arrow at Geryon that pierced all three of his bodies at once. Victorious, he brought the herd back to Eurystheus.