Hercules Killing Cacus

In this dramatic woodcut, Hercules, a monumental figure, raises his club for a crushing blow against the cowering Cacus. The scene unfolds with a raw intensity, amplified by the chiaroscuro technique. Here, three blocks in black, yellow, and olive-green create stark contrasts and deep shadows, emphasizing the muscular forms and the brutal action. The limited palette gives the image a primal force, making the struggle between hero and monster feel immediate and visceral. The composition pushes the figures close to the viewer, pulling us into the violent confrontation. This early work by Hendrick ter Brugghen, created when he was around 20 years old, shows a clear engagement with the powerful visual language that would later influence the Utrecht Caravaggisti.