English: Probably prime version of this particular composition in which one of Omphale's maidens is depicted resting her hand on Hercules' head, which has been adorned with a woman's cap.1 It is the oldest version of this theme by Cranach. The story relates how Hercules, in punishment for murdering his friend Phitus in a fit of madness, was sold into slavery for three years to Omphale, queen of Lydia. While in her service, he was humiliated by being dressed in women's clothes and being made to perform women's work, such as spinning yarn. Omphale and Hercules eventually became lovers (in some versions they marry) and they had a son.

The subject of Hercules and Omphale was the first example of the theme of Weibermacht or the 'Power of Woman' that was particularly popular in the late Middle Ages, and one that Cranach seems to have delighted in portraying, similar to his 1530 depiction of Phyllis and Aristotle (Sotheby's 24. Jan. 2008 at Sotheby`s New York, lot 78).

Two other versions of this composition are known: one, formerly in the Minnesota Museum of Art, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sold, New York, Sotheby Parke-Bernet, June 16, 1976, lot 99, as Studio of Lucas Cranach the Elder; the second was sold, Cologne, Lempertz, November, 1966, lot 27, and was with Fischer Gallery, Lucerne in December, 1967.