Hercules and Nessus 1550 - 1584

Annibale Fontana's "Hercules and Nessus" is a small, intricately carved onyx cameo. Created between 1550 and 1584, the cameo depicts the Greek hero Hercules battling the centaur Nessus. The scene unfolds against a background of trees and foliage, showcasing the dramatic moment when Hercules strikes Nessus with an arrow. This intimate portrayal of a legendary encounter exemplifies the fine craftsmanship of 16th-century Italian Renaissance art. The delicate details, such as the rippling muscles of Hercules and the intricate patterns of Nessus's hair, are rendered with remarkable precision. The cameo is now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.