Details
No Description
Provenance
Acquired by Henry Blundell in or shortly before 1803, and by inheritance
Literature
Ince Catalogue, 1803, p.265, no.CXCVII, 'Hercules. In this allegorical picture, which represents the mind overcome by a combination of the various passions and senses, the following are remarkably characterized, viz. Folly playing with a ball - Love with his bow and arrow - Hope with the anchor - Power with the bit and bridle - Pride with the peacock's feathers - Envy with the snakes - Drunkenness by Young Bacchus - Ambition with the crown - the Tragic Muse by the dagger, &c. - the Comic Muse with the bagpipes - Sleep by the child on the pillow - and Avarice with the cards, &c. - The painter has described a Strong Mind under the figure of Hercules. A shield, with Medusa's head, is hanging up in the back ground, and a number of books, denoting a study. - This curious and interesting picture, in the composition and colouring, has a good deal the manner of Rubens; but, 'tis presumed, it is of the German school'