Hercules and Cerberus

This bronze relief is Flemish, made in the middle of the 17th century. It depicts Hercules and Cerberus.

Hercules had to defeat and bring back Cerberus in his 12th and final labour, which was also the most difficult one. Cerberus is a multi-headed hound (usually shown as three) with the tail of a serpent, who guards the underworld Hades. Pluto allowed Hercules to take the beast given that he does so without any weapons. Hercules succeeded by catching it at the throat.