Hercules Conquering Cacus

This energetic composition is one of Dürer's earliest independent woodcuts. Cacus was a fierce warrior who robbed Hercules of cattle while he slept. Once Hercules discovered his loss, he tracked the thief Cacus to his lair and slew him. The young woman represents Cacus's sister, who betrayed her brother to Hercules; thus guilty of fratricide, she is shown being pursued by an avenging Fury.