French School of the XVIIIth century, Hercules and Omphale

French School XVIIIth century after F. Lemoyne "Hercule et Omphale"

oil on canvas, gilded and carved wooden frame (dim: 96x119cm)

The oracle of Apollo had advised Hercules, who sought to atone for the murder of one of his friends, to put himself at the service of the queen of Lydia, Omphale. This imposed on the hero, son of Zeus renowned for his invincible strength, some trials intended to atone for his crime. Seduced by her strength and beauty, Queen Omphale married Hercules. This theme of Greek and Roman mythology has known many variations, and has greatly inspired Mannerist painting in Italy and France, as well as the painting of Venetian artists, which influenced Lemoyne, related work is in the Louvre Museum.