Achelous and Deianeira 1600

Bartholomeus Spranger's 1600 bronze sculpture, "Achelous and Deianeira," depicts the Greek mythical river god Achelous, transforming into a bull, battling with the centaur Nessus for the hand of Deianeira. The dramatic composition captures the intensity of the struggle, emphasizing the contrasting forms of the human and animal figures. The sculpture exemplifies Spranger's talent for combining the classical ideals of the Renaissance with the dynamic, expressive style of Mannerism. This work is an excellent example of late Renaissance sculpture, showcasing the fusion of classical subject matter with a heightened emotional and dramatic quality.