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Hydre Collection

The mythological creature known as the Hydra has captivated artists and storytellers throughout history

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, after Gustave Moreau, c. 1876 (oil on canvas)

Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, after Gustave Moreau, c. 1876 (oil on canvas)
XIR226576 Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, after Gustave Moreau, c.1876 (oil on canvas) by Berchere, Narcisse (1819-91); 55x45 cm; Musee Gustave Moreau, Paris

Background imageHydre Collection: Intaglio of Hercules defeating the Hydra of Lerna by Alexei Klepikov (1803-52) 1843 (cornelian)

Intaglio of Hercules defeating the Hydra of Lerna by Alexei Klepikov (1803-52) 1843 (cornelian)
BOO74491 Intaglio of Hercules defeating the Hydra of Lerna by Alexei Klepikov (1803-52) 1843 (cornelian); 4x3.4 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia

Background imageHydre Collection: Lekythos, detail of Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 700-480 BC (ceramic)

Lekythos, detail of Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 700-480 BC (ceramic)
473377 Lekythos, detail of Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 700-480 BC (ceramic) by Greek School; Louvre, Paris, France; (add.info)

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules Killing the Hydra (fresco)

Hercules Killing the Hydra (fresco)
MES100903 Hercules Killing the Hydra (fresco) by Rottmayr, Johann Michael (1654-1730); Melk Abbey, Austria; © Mark Edward Smith

Background imageHydre Collection: PD. 10-1922 Allegory of the Labours of Hercules (pen & ink and wash)

PD. 10-1922 Allegory of the Labours of Hercules (pen & ink and wash)
FIT82781 PD.10-1922 Allegory of the Labours of Hercules (pen & ink and wash) by Cortona, Pietro da (Berrettini) (1596-1669); 22.3x36.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Background imageHydre Collection: The Path of the Sun through the stars on the night of the 4th July 1442, detail of Leo

The Path of the Sun through the stars on the night of the 4th July 1442, detail of Leo, Cancer and the Hydra
ALI234515 The Path of the Sun through the stars on the night of the 4th July 1442, detail of Leo, Cancer and the Hydra, from the soffit above the altar, c.1430 (fresco) (detail of 85088) by Pesello

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules Fighting the Lernaean Hydra (stone)

Hercules Fighting the Lernaean Hydra (stone)
XOU199149 Hercules Fighting the Lernaean Hydra (stone) by Puget, Pierre (1620-94); Musee des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, France; (add.info.: Hercules Terrassing the Hydra of Lerne; ); French, out of copyright

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, Audenarde Workshop (wool & silk tapestry)

Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, Audenarde Workshop (wool & silk tapestry)
XIR227239 Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, Audenarde Workshop (wool & silk tapestry) by Flemish School, (16th century); Musee National de la Renaissance, Ecouen

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules and the Hydra, 1490s (bronze)

Hercules and the Hydra, 1490s (bronze)
BAT209844 Hercules and the Hydra, 1490s (bronze) by Bonacolsi, Pier Jacopo Alari (1460-1528); 32.7 cm dia cm; Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, Tuscany

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules Fights the Lernian Hydra, 1731 (engraving)

Hercules Fights the Lernian Hydra, 1731 (engraving)
STC134108 Hercules Fights the Lernian Hydra, 1731 (engraving) by Picart, Bernard (1673-1733); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; French, out of copyright

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules and the Hydra (bronze)

Hercules and the Hydra (bronze)
AII80026 Hercules and the Hydra (bronze) by Giambologna (Giovanni da Bologna), (1529-1608); Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, Tuscany, Italy; Flemish, out of copyright

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules and the Hydra (tempera on panel)

Hercules and the Hydra (tempera on panel)
XAL50364 Hercules and the Hydra (tempera on panel) by Pollaiuolo, Antonio (1432/3-98); 17x12 cm; Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy; Italian, out of copyright

Background imageHydre Collection: Hercules Fighting with the Lernaean Hydra, c. 1634 (oil on canvas)

Hercules Fighting with the Lernaean Hydra, c. 1634 (oil on canvas)
XIR36848 Hercules Fighting with the Lernaean Hydra, c.1634 (oil on canvas) by Zurbaran, Francisco de (1598-1664); 133x167 cm; Prado, Madrid


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The mythological creature known as the Hydra has captivated artists and storytellers throughout history. In Gustave Moreau's painting, "Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, " we witness the hero's epic battle against this fearsome serpent. The intricate details of Hercules' struggle are also depicted on a ceramic lekythos dating back to 700-480 BC. In another interpretation, a fresco showcases "Hercules Killing the Hydra. " This ancient artwork brings to life the intensity of their encounter, with vibrant colors and masterful brushstrokes. Similarly, an allegorical pen and ink drawing portrays Hercules' labors, highlighting his triumph over this formidable foe. Moving beyond visual representations, even celestial bodies have been associated with this mythical creature. A stunning fresco from 1430 depicts Leo, Cancer, and the Hydra in their cosmic dance along the path of the sun on July 4th, 1442. Various mediums have been used to immortalize Hercules' battle against the Hydra. From stone sculptures to wool tapestries and bronze statues created during different periods in history – each artist adds their unique touch while capturing this legendary clash. Not limited to art alone, references to the Hydra extend into literature as well. In Daniel's vision mentioned in religious texts or even in political satire like "COMMUNARDIANA NUMERO 9, " where it symbolizes anarchy that needs taming. Regardless of its portrayal or context, one thing remains constant: The hydra represents a challenge that must be confronted head-on. Just like Hercules faced his fearsome adversary with unwavering determination centuries ago.