Hercules, wearing a lion’s pelt and holding a club, is creeping up on a huge two-headed dog to capture it. This scene is from the Twelve Labors of Hercules, a tale from Greek mythology. The dog is Cerberus, who is said to have three heads by a legend guarding the gate to the Underworld; Hercules is capturing it alive. At the dog’s side is Athena, the goddess of war, wearing a feathered crown and carrying a lance. She is walking swiftly, pointing the lance forwards, towards the figure of Hermes, messenger of the god, in his winged boots. The two deities appear to be divine protectors, guiding and watching over Hercules’ adventures.