Final answer:
Hercules's first labor, killing the Nemean Lion and using its skin as a cloak, and his twelfth labor, fetching the apples of the Hesperides, provided him with his lion-skin cloak and association with apples, which are among his main attributes in various works of art.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the Twelve Labors of Hercules, certain tasks stand out as providing his main attributes. The very first labor, where Heracles (Hercules) killed and skinned the Nemean Lion, befits his usual depiction, showcasing his incredible strength and giving him the lion-skin cloak which is one of his signature items.
Another significant labor is the twelfth one, where he retrieves the apples of the Hesperides. The attire and items acquired during these labors often appear in art and sculptures, such as the Farnese Hercules which shows the lion pelt over his club and the apples he fetched.
The labor of capturing Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the Underworld, is also a notable feat that contributes to the legendary hero’s attributes, as it is depicted in many artworks, including black-figure pottery that dates back to around 525 BCE.