Skip to main content

Lernaean Hydra Collection

The Lernaean Hydra, a fearsome creature of Greek mythology, has captivated artists throughout history

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules slays the Hydra, 17th century (engraving)

Hercules slays the Hydra, 17th century (engraving)
3480574 Hercules slays the Hydra, 17th century (engraving); (add.info.: Hercules slays the Hydra. Engraving from Tableaux du temple des muses (1655) by Michel de Marolles (1600 - 1681)

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules and the Lernaean serpent, c.1690. Creator: De Ferrari, Gregorio (1647-1726)

Hercules and the Lernaean serpent, c.1690. Creator: De Ferrari, Gregorio (1647-1726)
Hercules and the Lernaean serpent, c.1690. Found in the Collection of the Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola, Genova

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Lerna, 1587. Creator: Philip Galle

Lerna, 1587. Creator: Philip Galle
Lerna, 1587. From Nymphs, pl. 9

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules and the Hydra of Lerna, 1608. Creators: Antonio Tempesta, Nicolaus van Aelst

Hercules and the Hydra of Lerna, 1608. Creators: Antonio Tempesta, Nicolaus van Aelst
Hercules and the Hydra of Lerna, 1608. From The Labors of Hercules, pl. 3

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules Killing the Lernean Hydra, from Scenes from the Life of Hercules, c. 1528

Hercules Killing the Lernean Hydra, from Scenes from the Life of Hercules, c. 1528. Creator: Gabriel Salmon
Hercules Killing the Lernean Hydra, from Scenes from the Life of Hercules, c. 1528

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: 7413371

7413371

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875 / 76. Creator: Gustave Moreau

Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875 / 76. Creator: Gustave Moreau
Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875/76

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Travaux d Hercule : Hercule et l hydre de Lerne - Hercules

Travaux d Hercule : Hercule et l hydre de Lerne - Hercules
FIA5399000 Travaux d Hercule : Hercule et l hydre de Lerne - Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra (From The Labours of Hercules) - Cranach, Lucas

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875-76 (oil on canvas)

Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875-76 (oil on canvas)
2967966 Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875-76 (oil on canvas) by Moreau, Gustave (1826-98); 179.3x154 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL, USA; Gift of Mrs. Eugene A

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules and Hydra - Peinture de Franz Ritter von Stuck (1863-1928

Hercules and Hydra - Peinture de Franz Ritter von Stuck (1863-1928
FIA5398978 Hercules and Hydra - Peinture de Franz Ritter von Stuck (1863-1928) - 1915 - Syntonos colours on canvas - Museum Villa Stuck by Stuck, Franz von (1863-1928); Museum Villa Stuck, Munich

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Heracles and the Lernaean Hydra (engraving)

Heracles and the Lernaean Hydra (engraving)
3635238 Heracles and the Lernaean Hydra (engraving) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Heracles and the Lernaean Hydra)

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules Fighting with the Hydra of Lernea, 1550. Creator: Heinrich Aldegrever

Hercules Fighting with the Hydra of Lernea, 1550. Creator: Heinrich Aldegrever
Hercules Fighting with the Hydra of Lernea, 1550

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules Slaying the Hydra of Lerna, 1620-1621. Creator: Reni, Guido (1575-1642)

Hercules Slaying the Hydra of Lerna, 1620-1621. Creator: Reni, Guido (1575-1642)
Hercules Slaying the Hydra of Lerna, 1620-1621. Found in the Collection of Musee du Louvre, Paris

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra (From The Labours of Hercules)

Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra (From The Labours of Hercules). Artist: Cranach, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553)
Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra (From The Labours of Hercules). Found in the collection of Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Braunschweig

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Herakles fights the Lernaean Hydra, Attic Vase, 450 BC

Herakles fights the Lernaean Hydra, Attic Vase, 450 BC

Background imageLernaean Hydra Collection: Hercules fights the Lernaean Hydra, Relic from Lerna, 3rd Century BC

Hercules fights the Lernaean Hydra, Relic from Lerna, 3rd Century BC



For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The Lernaean Hydra, a fearsome creature of Greek mythology, has captivated artists throughout history. In an ancient Attic vase from 450 BC, we see Herakles engaged in a fierce battle with the hydra, its nine heads rearing up in defiance. The artist skillfully captures the intensity and danger of this legendary encounter. Fast forward to the late 19th century, where Gustave Moreau brings his own interpretation to Hercules' struggle against the hydra. His painting from 1875/76 showcases intricate details and vibrant colors that bring this mythical scene to life. The viewer can almost feel the tension as Hercules wields his weapon against the monstrous beast. Franz Ritter von Stuck's painting depicts another dramatic moment between Hercules and Hydra. Created in the early 20th century, it showcases Stuck's unique style and mastery of light and shadow. The image conveys both strength and vulnerability as Hercules battles one of his most formidable foes. Engravings by Heinrich Aldegrever and Guido Reni offer different perspectives on this epic clash. Aldegrever's work from 1550 emphasizes intricacy through fine lines while Reni's piece from 1620-1621 focuses on capturing emotions through bold brushstrokes. Lucas Cranach, known for his depictions of mythological scenes, presents us with an image inspired by "The Labours of Hercules. " Painted during the Renaissance period, Cranach portrays Hercules locked in combat with Hydra amidst a lush landscape – a testament to his artistic prowess. Even relics have preserved this legendary tale; a relic from Lerna dating back to the third century BC shows us how deeply ingrained this story was within ancient culture. Similarly, a Roman mosaic discovered in Volubilis depicts Hercules battling Hydra - evidence that these myths transcended time and geography. From ancient vases to modern paintings and engravings, the Lernaean Hydra has remained a captivating subject for artists.