Centaur Abducting a Nymph c. 1650

Francesco Fanelli’s bronze sculpture *Centaur Abducting a Nymph* depicts the mythological creature, a centaur, carrying away a struggling nymph. The bronze sculpture, dating back to c. 1650, showcases the intricate details of the centaur’s musculature and the nymph’s desperate struggle. The sculpture’s dynamic composition, with the centaur rearing up on its hind legs, evokes a sense of movement and tension, capturing the essence of this classic Greek myth. This small-scale sculpture, now at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Fanelli’s mastery of bronze casting and his talent for portraying dramatic narratives.