In addition to overcoming the twelve labors, Hercules had to face further trials, including the fight against the giant Antaeus. These, son of Gea, goddess of the earth, was practically invulnerable when in contact with the ground. The demigod before defeating him was therefore forced to lift him from the origin of his strength and then crush him.

All the effort of the two fighting giants is rendered by Gregorio De Ferrari through the extremely elaborate use of light with strongly foreshortened postures built through fast and incisive brushstrokes.