The abduction of Dejanira held by the centaur Nessus 1525 - 1566

This engraving by Battista Franco captures the mythological drama of the abduction of Dejanira. Central to the scene is the figure of Nessus, the centaur, his body a potent symbol of the primal and untamed aspects of nature. He gallops away carrying Dejanira, while Hercules shoots an arrow in pursuit, defending his love. The centaur, a creature of dual nature, embodies the conflict between instinct and reason. In the ancient world, from the sculptures of the Parthenon to Roman mosaics, centaurs often represented barbarism, a challenge to civilized order. Yet, in some contexts, they were revered as wise beings, bridging the gap between humanity and the animal kingdom. Consider the image of Chiron, the learned centaur, tutor to heroes, a motif that recurs throughout the ages, a reminder of our own internal struggles. This powerful image engages us on a subconscious level, stirring deep-seated fears and desires. The myth resurfaces, reminding us of the cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols and their enduring power to move us.