Art Funded by you

Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestes

Lord Frederic Leighton, 1869–1871

Leighton House, London

According to Greek mythology, Alcestis, wife of Admetus, was willing to sacrifice herself so that her husband, who had angered Artemis, could live. In Euripedes's play, 'Hercules Furens', Hercules, a guest at Admetus's palace at the time of his wife's death, goes after Death and wrestles with him for the body of Alcestis and wins her back.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestes, 1869–1871

Date supported

1993

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

19 x 37 cm

Grant

715

Total cost

9430

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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