Hercules and Nessus c. 16th century

Editor: This is Sebald Beham's "Hercules and Nessus," a print from around 1542. The cross-hatching creates such a dramatic scene. What do you see in this piece, especially regarding its lasting impact? Curator: The arrow piercing Nessus is more than a physical wound. It represents the disruption of order, the shattering of established hierarchies. Beham masterfully captures the transition from a world governed by mythical beings to one dominated by human intellect and power. How might contemporary audiences interpret the centaur's demise? Editor: Perhaps as a symbol of the fading power of the old ways. I appreciate your focus on the symbolic transition—it really enriches the artwork’s narrative. Curator: Indeed. Remembering this allows us to understand the artwork as more than just an illustration, but as a potent reflection on the shift in cultural consciousness.