Hercules fighting Achelous transformed into a snake (1824)

Detail of The Face in the Abyss by Virgil Finlay

Hercules fighting Achelous

The Face in the Abyss by Virgil Finlay

The Virgil Finlay drawing was made for the story 'The Face in the Abyss', by Abraham Merrit in 1950. The figures are modelled after the sculpture of Hercules fighting Achelous.

The sculpture is made of bronze and was cast by Carbonneaux in 1824. The sculpture is know in the Louvre Museum, France.

Hercules is regarded as one of the greatest of Ancient Greek heroes of all time. He was born as the Greek demigod son of Zeus and the mortal Alkmene. Hercules wrestled the river-god Achelous for the hand of Deianara. He won, even though Achelous shapeshifted into a bull and a snake.

References:

• Wikipedia.
• Achelous Wikipedia.