---
title: The Abduction (Hercules and Alcestis)
author: The Yorck Project
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2875/the-abduction-hercules-and-alcestis/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# The Abduction (Hercules and Alcestis)
_Authored by The Yorck Project_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2875.jpg)
## Image Caption
An 1867 painting in oils, *The Abduction* by [Paul Cézanne](https://www.worldhistory.org/Paul_Cezanne/) (1839-1906), the French post-impressionist artist. This painting is thought to depict [Hercules](https://www.worldhistory.org/hercules/) rescuing [Alcestis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alcestis/) from the underworld (another theory is that this represents the abduction of [Persephone](https://www.worldhistory.org/persephone/) by [Hades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hades/)). The distortion of the figures adds notable drama to the scene. Painted in Émile Zola's house and was first owned by him. (Sammlung Keynes Collection, U.K.)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Project, T. Y. (2014, July 26). The Abduction (Hercules and Alcestis). *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Project, The Yorck. "The Abduction (Hercules and Alcestis)." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 26, 2014. .
### MLA
Project, The Yorck. "The Abduction (Hercules and Alcestis)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Jul 2014, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_C%C3%A9zanne_045.jpg) by [**The Yorck Project**](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_C%C3%A9zanne_045.jpg). Submitted by [Karen Barrett-Wilt](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/klbwilt/ "User Page: Karen Barrett-Wilt"), published on 26 July 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.