Hercules and one of Diomedes' Stallions

Artists

Description

This tapestry is the third panel in a famous set of five tapestries dedicated to the Deeds of Hercules. It shows Hercules battling Diomedes' Stallions against a background of large green foliage (called "cabbage-leaf/feuilles de choux") interspersed with small animals and vines. This ornamental background becomes fully integrated with the figurative scene, creating a powerful decorative effect. The tapestry was cut down substantially at the top, leaving only a small part of scrollwork visible. The sides and bottom show a larger portion of scroll work and vegetal ornament. Comparison with another version of the same tapestry in the Louvre shows that the original border contained subsidiary scenes with a depiction of Music on the top and David Presented to King Saul (I Samuel 16:21) on the bottom.

Dimensions

350.5 x 393.7 cm (138 x 155 in.)

Provenance

Augustus Hemenway, gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1928