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Émile Bernard (1868-1941), "Hercule et Omphale" (1911), oil on canvas; Reims, France, Musée des Beaux-Arts, inv. 949.1.3; previously in Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris.

The queen of Lydia, Omphale, has purchased Hercules, whose thralldom to her will expiate his murder of Iole's brother Iphitus. In this picture erotic interaction between the two seems quite subdued, even though an anatomically odd Eros assists in the work. Omphale is performing the women's work of yarn spinning, even though Heracles assists somewhat. His fond stare suggests future interactions will be different from this. Omphale's possession of the Nemean Lion's hide seems clearly indicated by the sort of leopard skin on her lap; but the famously phallic club of the hero seems not to existin the picture.

This painting was matched by a pendant by Bernard, "La Toilette de Vénus", which also hung with this in the apartment of apartment of Paul Jamot, who commissioned the pair.