HeraclesOmphale1.0027

HeraclesOmphale1.0027_Cavallino

The figurative emasculation of Hercules and the empowerment of Omphale is depicted in the various objects. The once-hero (note his earring) holds the tools of spinning wool as the women in Omphale's court mock him. His mistress holds his club and wears his Nemean Lion's skin over her fine clothing. She draws our interest to her captive glancing knowingly at the viewer; Heracles pays no attention because he is caught up in the derision of the women of the court.

The scandalous role-reversal is treated thus in Ovid's Ars Amatoria 2.217-24: "That hero who outlasted his step-mother's putting monsters in his way and gained heaven, which he earlier held on his own shoulders; people believe that he joined Ionian girls, that he grasped the distaff and carded slubby wool. / The hero of Tiryns obeyed the command of his mistress! Come, consider whether you wouldn't also endure what Heracles endured!" (RTM trans.)