Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.
It’s a remarkable piece and initially rather tricky to decipher due to its dark qualities. On the right, there’s cattle including a particularly vicious-looking bull.
It relates to Hercules (or Heracles), the most revered of the Greek heroes, and his ‘twelve labours’, this being number eleven. The twelve labours were a series of perilous tasks undertaken in the service of King Eurystheus and its theme has often been portrayed by artists throughout the centuries.
Labour eleven involved stealing three golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, which was guarded by the hideous and fearsome serpent, Ladon. There are variations on how he achieved such a feat with one version involving a tense negotiation with the Titan Atlas. But here, we see a simpler ending, whereby Ladon is slayed by brute force and what appears to be a bear hug.
We acquired the piece in Sweden and its origins are unknown. Perhaps it formed one of twelve works.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 14½” x 17½” / 37cm x 45cm
Year of creation: c. 1750
Labels & Inscriptions: Partial inscription on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: For decorative reasons, we’ve left this piece in ‘as found’ condition. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Minor losses. Frame with some light wear.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page
18th-century Swedish School, Hercules Slaying the Dragon Ladon - Antique Oil Painting
