The Centaur Nessus Carries Off Deianira c. 17th century

Curator: Oh my! The drama! Looking at this print, I feel swept away…literally. Editor: Indeed! This is Jean Audran's "The Centaur Nessus Carries Off Deianira," now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It captures a pivotal scene from mythology. Curator: The swirling drapery, the desperate reaching…it’s all so wonderfully theatrical. But the centaur's face seems almost…exultant? It’s unsettling. Editor: That's the tension Audran so brilliantly captures. It's a tale of betrayal, violence, and the abuse of power, filtered through a baroque lens. Nessus was tasked to ferry Deianira across the river but decided to carry her away, prompting Hercules to shoot him with a poisoned arrow. Curator: It’s a potent reminder that behind grand gestures and flowing lines, there's often a darker narrative simmering. Editor: Precisely! The artwork reminds us that historical pieces are never just about what is shown but about understanding the social and ethical narratives of their time. Curator: It makes you consider: who truly benefits from these dramatic displays? Editor: An important reflection, indeed.