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Hercules at the crossroads, 1677-1755. Creator: Elias van Nijmegen
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Hercules at the crossroads, 1677-1755. Creator: Elias van Nijmegen
Hercules at the crossroads, 1677-1755. Design for a painting
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Media ID 36331979
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1670s 1680s 1690s 1700s 1710s 1720s 1730s 1740s 1750s Allegorical Choice Conflict Crossroads Deciding Decision Elias Van Nijmegen Elias Van Nymegen Elias Van Nymeguen Heracles Herakles Hercules Nijmegen Elias Van Nymegen Elias Van Nymeguen Elias Van Studies Thoroughfare Vice Virtue Watercolor Paint Allegorical Figure Greek Mythology
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Hercules at the Crossroads,
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating design for a painting by the Dutch artist Elias van Nijmegen, dating from the late 17th or early 18th century. The composition, filled with rich allegorical symbolism, depicts the legendary Greek hero Hercules (also known as Heracles or Herakles) standing at a crossroads. Hercules, a man of immense strength and virtue, is famously known for his twelve labors, which he completed to atone for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness. In this design, Hercules is shown at a pivotal moment in his journey, standing before three women representing the personifications of Vice, Virtue, and Choice. The figure of Vice, dressed in seductive attire, tempts Hercules with a golden apple, while Virtue, dressed in white and holding a palm branch, urges him to choose the righteous path. The allegorical figure of Choice, depicted as a woman holding a balance, looks on as Hercules contemplates his decision. The design is rendered in a combination of ink, watercolor paint, and pencil on paper. The use of color and contrast effectively highlights the dramatic tension in the scene, with the vibrant reds and golds of Vice contrasting sharply with the cool blues and whites of Virtue and the neutral tones of Choice. The intricate details and delicate shading in the drawing showcase Van Nijmegen's exceptional artistic skill. This design is a testament to the enduring appeal of Greek mythology and the timeless themes of choice, conflict, and the struggle between good and evil. It is a valuable addition to the artistic heritage of the 17th and 18th centuries and can be found in the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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