Sarcophagus Relief depicting the Labors of Hercules

This “Sarcophagus Relief depicting the Labors of Hercules” was a popular image on Roman sarcophagi, as the wealthy deceased paid homage to a Greco-Roman hero and god who was celebrated for his enormous strength.

Representations of Hercules twelve labors, as related by ancient legends, were sculptured on all sides of a sarcophagus of the period.

Hercules was a Roman hero and god, adapted from the Greek divine hero Heracles, who was the son of Zeus, the Roman equivalent Jupiter.

In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and his deeds, which took him to the far reaches of the Greco-Roman world and became known as the “Twelve Labors” of Hercules.

This relief fragment depicts two of Hercules’ labors. The battle with the multi-headed hydra on the left and the right having killed the boar of Erymanthea, he holds it across his shoulders.

Other labors are referenced in sculpture, such as Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean lion knotted around his neck. Also, the rear hoof and tail of the Cretan bull can be seen at the lower left of the fragment.

The “Twelve Labors” of Hercules

• Slay the Nemean Lion.
• Slay the nine-headed Lernaean Hydra.
• Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis.
• Capture the Erymanthian Boar.
• Clean the Augean stables in a single day.
• Slay the Stymphalian Birds.
• Capture the Cretan Bull.
• Steal the Mares of Diomedes.
• Obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons.
• Obtain the cattle of the monster Geryon.
• Steal the apples of the Hesperides.
• Capture and bring back Cerberus.

Sarcophagus Relief depicting the Labors of Hercules

• Title:                Sarcophagus Relief depicting the Labors of Hercules
• Date:                4th-3rd Century B.C.
• Artist:               Unknown
• Material:          Marble
• Dimensions:    28 1/2 x 29 x 6 1/4 in. (72.4 x 73.7 x 15.9 cm)
• Geography:     Rome
• Museum:         Honolulu Museum of Art

The Twelve Labours of Heracles