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Hercules killing the Hydra
Circa 1639
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Oil on panel
Width: 12.1 cm ( panel ); Height: 23.1 cm ( panel ); Height: 26.3 cm ( frame ); Depth: 2.5 cm ( frame ); Width: 15.2 cm ( frame ); Height: 23.1 cm ( painted surface ); Width: 10.9 cm ( painted surface );
Acquisition (source, method, date)
Seilern, Antoine (Count); bequest; 1978
P.1978.PG.382
About this work
Philip IV of Spain was by far the most important patron of Rubens’ last years. In addition to religious commissions, Rubens also created paintings for his palaces. This sketch is preparatory for a painting intended for the King’s Summer Apartments at the Royal Palace in Madrid and was to be paired with a representation of Diana.
(Permanent collection label)
Copyright: © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London
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