THE SHIELD AND MADNESS OF HERACLES - Derek Overfield

In August I released two new Heracles-themed paintings - "The Shield of Heracles," and "The Madness of Heracles." Read more about the two new large pieces below. 

The shield of Heracles, wrought by the hands of Hephaestus, appears in the account of the hero's encounter with the god Ares with his son Cycnus. The murderous Cycnus challenged Heracles to a duel, when the two met upon the road. Taking up the glorious and unbreakable shield, Heracles defeated Cycnus and with Athena's help the god Ares as well.

"The Shield of Heracles," latex and acrylic paint on canvas, 60x55", 2020

Upon returning home from his final labor, Heracles was weary and ready to find peace. Instead, the hero found his father, wife and sons on the verge of being executed by his enemy Lycus. Heracles destroyed his enemies, but the goddess Hera wove madness before his eyes and the tragic hero turned his malice on his own family as well.

"The Madness of Heracles," latex paint on canvas, 60x55", 2020