1780-1800
Fan
Artist/maker unknownImage 1 of 21 / 2
In Greek mythology, the hero Heracles was enslaved to Queen Omphale of Lydia (present-day Turkey) for killing Iphitus, son of King Eurytus of Oechalia. The central panel of this fan shows Omphale forcing Heracles to spin wool, a task traditionally performed by women. She eventually frees Heracles after witnessing his extraordinary acts of valor, and they later marry. The design may have been inspired by Omphale (1769), a myth-based tragic opera by Jean-Baptiste Philibert Cardonne (1730–after 1792).
This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]
Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]