Hercules and the Birds of Stymphalis

painting by Albrecht Dürer

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June 29, 2026

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The painting "Hercules and the Birds of Stymphalis" was created by Albrecht Dürer around 1494-1495. This work is a mythological painting in the Renaissance tradition and was influenced by Italian artists like Antonio Pollaiuolo. The painting depicts Hercules battling the man-eating birds of Stymphalis, a task from Greek mythology. The term "Stymphalian" refers to these birds and their habitat in Arcadia. Dürer's adaptation of Hercules is noted as exceptional within his body of work, which often focused on religious themes and portraits.12

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Albrecht Dürer
First journey to Italy
…of Deianira for his painting Hercules and the Birds of Stymphalis. A purely mythological painting in the Renaissance tradition, Hercules is exceptional among Dürer’s works. The centre panel from the Dresden Altarpiece, which Dürer painted in about 1498, is stylistically similar to Hercules and betrays influences of Mantegna. In most…
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…of Deianira for his painting Hercules and the Birds of Stymphalis. A purely mythological painting in the Renaissance tradition, Hercules is exceptional among Dürer’s works. The centre panel from the Dresden Altarpiece, which Dürer painted in about 1498, is stylistically similar to Hercules and betrays influences of Mantegna. In most…
Read More