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

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

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