The artwork titled “Cerberus, the Black Dog of Hades,” created by Edmund Dulac, is an illustration that belongs to the Art Nouveau movement and forms part of “The Picture Book for the Red Cross” series. This genre of art typically emphasizes modern styles and often features intricate, flowing designs.
In this particular illustration, we see a fantastical depiction of Cerberus, the mythical three-headed dog from Greek mythology, guarding the entrance to Hades, the underworld. Known for its fearsome appearance, Dulac’s interpretation of Cerberus is rendered with three black canine heads, each bearing a menacing expression, and multiple serpentine tails that add to the creature’s ominous presence. On the left, a figure appears to be confronting or interacting with Cerberus, possibly a representation of a mythological character, perhaps Heracles or Orpheus, who both had notable encounters with the beast according to myth.
The image is characterized by flowing lines and a rich color palette, typical of the Art Nouveau style, which blends the characters with the ethereal, dream-like background. The dynamic poses of Cerberus and the human figure suggest movement and tension, hinting at a story unfolding in this mythological scene. Dulac’s use of color and form creates an atmosphere that is both mystical and slightly unsettling, encapsulating the viewer in the ancient tale that the artwork is derived from.
