Hercules and the Cup of Helios

Hercules, in the tenth of his twelve labours, was sent to the mythical island of Erythea to steal the cattle of the monstrous Geryon. On his long journey, he was angered by the heat of the sun and so drew his bow against it. The God of the sun, Helios, was so impressed by his audacity that he gifted Hercules the great golden cup in which he returned each night to the east. In this cup Hercules sailed the ocean all the way to Erythea. In my painting, Hercules has landed on the island shore exhausted by his long voyage. Digital Painting.