HeraclesChoice2.0012

Joseph Anton Koch (1768-1839), "Landschaft mit Herkules am Scheideweg" (Landscape with Hercules at the Crossroads), 1797, drawing in pen and ink with red-brown, brown, and grey crayon and white wash on paper, 54.1 x 76 cm; Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, inv. no. C 5660.

Koch subjects the epic moment of Heracles' Choice to the greater context of an Arcadian landscape, a motif that he frequently engaged. The nearly unattainable distance is the Temple of Virtue, consistent with 18th-century sentimentality. (cf. Stourhead). Seductive as she may be, the attractive muse of Gratification sees only the hero's back. This is the narrative attributed to Prodicus of Athens, and ancient philosopher Xenophon. According to Prodicus' story (told in Xen. Mem. 2.1.21-34) Heracles found himself in his youthful adulthood at a cross-roads. Two women appeared to him — Virtue and Vice (Pleasure) are typically presented as allegorical figures — and each tried to entice the potential hero to follow her path. By choosing Virtue's path, the hero willingly engages the hard path through life, the path that will result in immortality.

Popular tale in both previous and subsequent generations, as well: Poussin, Benvenuti, Handel, etc.