Dejanira being abducted by the centaur Nessos, a man with bow and arrow at right, after Reni 1802

This 1802 engraving by Charles Clément Bervic depicts the abduction of Dejanira by the centaur Nessos, a scene from Greek mythology. The artist, known for his prints after famous paintings, has masterfully translated the dramatic composition of the original work, likely by Guido Reni, into a black and white print. The dynamic pose of Dejanira and the powerful form of Nessos convey the intense emotions of the moment, while the figure of a man with bow and arrow in the background alludes to the impending intervention of Hercules, Dejanira’s husband, who will ultimately avenge her abduction.