Nessus and Deianeira 1898

Arnold Böcklin's 1898 painting "Nessus and Deianeira" depicts a scene from Greek mythology where the centaur Nessus attempts to abduct Deianeira, the wife of the hero Hercules. Böcklin is known for his symbolist style, which often incorporates elements of mythology, dreams, and nature. In this work, the dark, muscular form of the centaur and the expressive faces of Deianeira and a bystander create a sense of drama and tension. This powerful image captures the struggle between love, betrayal, and revenge in a visually captivating manner. The painting is currently housed in the Museum Pfalzgalerie Kaiserslautern in Germany.