Herkules. 2018.
Etching with platetone and with watercolors.
Monogrammed and numbered. From an edition of 12 hand-colored copies. Each of unique character. On firm wove paper. 69 x 50 cm (27.1 x 19.6 in). Sheet: 99 x 70 cm (38,9 x 27,5 in).
[JS].

• Since the 2010s, the Hercules theme has been one of the key motifs in Lüpertz's work.
• According to Greek mythology, Hercules was admitted to Olympus because of his enormous strength and the courageous accomplishment of his twelve "Herculean tasks".
• Lüpertz transfers the famous motif of the ancient god with the attributes of the club and the fur of the slain Nemean lion into the modern age.
• Lüpertz's monumental statue of "Hercules of Gelsenkirchen" was erected on the tower of the former colliery Nordstern in 2010 and has since towered over the Ruhr region as an ancient problem-solver.
• Very rare. So far only one other copy of this hand-colored etching has been offered on the international auction market (source: artprice.com).

In good condition. Right margin with a few tiny paint splashes from the making. Edges scuffed in places.