Hercules and the Hydra
2022 © Maxim Tabachnik
The Triumph of GalateaCouncil of the GodsThe Wedding Banquet of Cupid and PsycheVenus and CapricornBacchus and AriadneCupid and the Three GracesMercury Brings Psyche up to OlympusPerseus and MedusaCupid Pleads with Jupiter for PsycheHercules and the HydraFame and Medusa's VictimsVenus and the DovesHead of a YouthThe Rape of GanymedeVenus Appeals to Ceres and JunoHercules Defeating the Nemean LionThe Fall of PhaetonDionysian ProcessionMercuryPutti with CerberusAbduction of Orithyia by BoreasThe Wedding of Alexander and RoxaneCeiling of the Hall of GalateaVenus Presenting Psyche to CupidThe CharioteerLyra and ApolloCeiling with Putti and GarlandCorridor of the GrotesquesZephyrus Blowing on FloraMarine Scene with NereidsIllusionistic Architecture and StatuePutto with TridentGrotesque Ceiling with Flying FigureThe Family of Darius Before AlexanderVenus and JupiterPutto with ThunderboltsApollo and the Centaur

Hercules and the HydraBaldassarre Peruzzi

847
This ceiling fresco (c. 1510) in the Hall of the Perspectives shows Hercules battling the multi-headed Hydra. The creature symbolizes the zodiac sign Cancer, aligning with the room’s astrological theme. Peruzzi demonstrates heroic virtue triumphing over chaos and earthly temptation, reflecting Renaissance ideals of order and moral strength.