Galinthias Outwits Eileithyia by Announcing the Birth of Heracles (recto), Portrait of Mrs. Fuseli (verso)
1791
1993.172
Not currently on view
Artwork Details
Artist
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
12-1/4 x 15-5/8 in.
Mark Description
inscribed in ink, lower right: Wm Blake June 1797 dated in graphite, lower center: Apr 13. 91
Accession Number
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. Irwin Miller
Copyright
Collection
Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
Color Palette
Provenance
Mr. J. Irwin Miller [1909-2004] and Mrs. Xenia Miller [1917-2008], Columbus, IN; donated to the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 1993
Gallery Labels
In Greek mythology, Heracles (Hercules) is the offspring of Zeus and Alcmene. Hera, Zeus' jealous wife, sends the witch Eileithyia to prevent the birth. As long as Eileithyia sits with her legs held firmly together, Alcmene's labor will be prolonged. After seven days, the servant Galinthias hits on a cunning idea. When she announces that the birth has occurred, the surprised witch loosens her grip allowing the actual birth to take place. William Blake, whose name appears at the lower right corner, may have owned this and other drawings by his influential and long-standing friend Fuseli.
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