The sculptor was inspired by a colossal ancient marble known as the Hercules Farnese. Unlike its model, Tetrode’s Hercules radiates aggression and vigilance. He stands with his legs spread, concealing golden apples behind his back– a wedding gift to chief god Jupiter and his wife, Juno, which he had stolen by ruse. Hercules holds his right hand, clutching the club, low behind him,
![[Venus, Jupiter und Merkur; Venus, Jupiter and Mercury], Willem Danielsz van Tetrode, 1574](https://diglib.hab.de/varia/haum/weerdt-a-d-wb2-0001/max/000001.jpg)
