A BRONZE GROUP OF NESSUS AND DEIANIRA

AFTER GIAMBOLOGNA, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A BRONZE GROUP OF NESSUS AND DEIANIRA
AFTER GIAMBOLOGNA, 19TH CENTURY
On a later, spreading rectangular marble base.
Medium brown patina with traces of a blackish brown lacquer; minor damage to Deianira's right hand.
15.3/8 in. (39 cm.) high

Literature

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
London, Victoria and Albert Museum, Giambologna 1529-1608 - Sculptor to the Medici, C. Avery and A. Radcliffe eds., 5 October - 16 November 1978, no. 62, p. 112.

Lot Essay

The composition is one of three variants which Giambologna (1529-1608), court sculptor to the Medici, created in the final quarter of the 16th century. It depicts Deianira, wife of Hercules, struggling to escape the grip of the centaur Nessus, who attempted to abduct her. She was saved when Hercules killed the centaur by shooting him with a bow and arrow, although this action would ultimately lead to both Hercules' and Deianira's deaths.

More from SCULPTURE

View All