The Eleventh Labor (1910 - Ewings)

6 foot x 4 foot - oil on canvas

 

Within a thick brass frame, three golden apples lay in the dirt. Next to them, the great bow of Hercules and what remained of his collection of poison arrows. 

 

With bold colors, laid one atop the next in an impressionistic style, Ewings brought the scene to life in dramatic fashion.

 

A closer look at the custom frame revealed five small holes– perhaps one for each poison arrow shown in the painting. I tried every key Mr. Grady had– and other objects, too– but nothing came of it.