After Giambologna

First modelled in 1575-1576, Nessus and Deianeira proved to be one of Giambologna's most successful compositions. Hercules’ wife, Deianeira, was seized by the centaur Nessus while crossing a river, and subsequently rescued by her hero-husband, who slew the centaur. Greek myth tells of the poignant consequences of the event, when Deianeira used Nessus’ blood as a love potion on her unfaithful husband, unaware that the poison within would destroy his mortal form. Giambologna created at least three signed bronze versions of the model, indicating the high esteem in which it was held by both the artist and his patrons. His radically complex composition, with two intertwined figures full of dynamism and balanced tension, explains its long lasting popularity.

The fine quality of its finishing, and the reddish colour of the patina, indicate a Florentine origin for the present cast.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery and A. Radcliffe (eds.), Giambologna 1529-1608. Sculptor to the Medici, exh. cat. Arts Council of Britain and Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, London, 1978, pp. 109-115