HeraclesOmphale1.0005

HeraclesOmphale1.0005_Pinturicchio

The figurative emasculation of Hercules and the empowerment of Omphale is depicted in the various objects. He wears the Nemean Lionskin, which Omphale traditionally dons in this myth. But the one-time hero is clearly involved her in the women's work of spinning; Omphale wields his mighty club.

The scandalous role-reversal is also 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.)

The image at right is derived from the site called metmuseum.org, where the image is said to be in the Public Domain. Permission for this page has not been requested (May 2025).