The Great Hercules

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella, and I'm so excited to show you a really cool picture! It's called The Great Hercules, and it's super old – from way back in 1589! Can anyone guess how old that is? (Pause for answers). Wow, that's a long, long time ago! nn This picture is a print, which means it's like a copy made from a special plate. It's pretty big too, almost as tall as you are! Look how strong Hercules looks! He's a super famous hero from ancient stories. What do you think makes him look so strong? (Pause for answers). Yes! His big muscles, and the way he holds his club. He's even wearing a lion skin! That's pretty cool, right? nn

See how dark and shadowy the picture is? It's mostly browns and blacks. Artists back then liked to use these colors to make their pictures dramatic. It makes Hercules look even more powerful, doesn't it? Look at his face – what kind of expression does he have? (Pause for answers). He looks serious and determined, ready for anything! nn

Now look at the background. Do you see the little people? They're much smaller than Hercules. This shows just how big and strong he is! What do you think those little people are doing? (Pause for answers). Maybe they're watching him, or maybe they're part of his adventures! nn

The artist, Hendrik Goltzius, was really, really good at drawing. He paid close attention to every detail, even the tiny wrinkles in Hercules' skin! This style of art is called Mannerism. It's all about making things look dramatic and a little bit unusual. nn

So, The Great Hercules isn't just a picture of a strong man; it's a story about strength and bravery! It shows us how talented the artist was, and it tells us something about the way people thought and felt a long, long time ago. What did you like best about the picture? (Pause for answers). I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Let's go see some more amazing art!