Heracles receives the assignment to acquire the golden apples of Hesperides, the daughters of Atlas. After much wandering, he meets Atlas and persuades him to steal the apples instead of him. In the meantime, Heracles will carry the globe. Heracles uses all his slyness to get Atlas back into the position of carrying the globe, after he hands over the apples. In this painting the artist shows that smartness goes beyond strength.