Lot 347
LARGE BRONZE FIGURE OF NESSUS AND DEIANEIRA, AFTER GIAMBOLOGNA
20TH CENTURY
Auction: Five Centuries Day Two | Thurs 10th September | Lots 256 to 507
Description
dark brown patina, on a rectangular base, mounted on a peach variegated marble plinth with canted angles
Dimensions
70cm high, 55cm wide, 32cm deep
Footnote
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.