The Labors of Hercules: Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus, Hans Sebald Beham, 1545

While hercules was asleep, the fire-breathing giant cacus stole some oxen that hercules had been herding. Hercules tracked the animals to cacus’s lair, where he slew the giant. Here, an ox watches as cacus spews a blast of fire, and hercules prepares to strike a fatal blow. Beham was one of several german printmakers referred to today as the “little masters. ” they established their artistic prowess by engraving remarkably small prints, appealing to collectors fascinated with miniature objects and curiosities. Date: 1545. Place of creation: Germany, 16th century. Medium: engraving. Collection: Cleveland Museum of Art. Hans Sebald Beham - The Labors of Hercules- Hercules Killing the Giant Cacus - 1950.467 - Cleveland Museum of Art