Nessus and Dejanira

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This painting is based on a story from the Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses. When Hercules arrived at the River Euenus with his bride Dejanira, the centaur Nessus offered to carry her across the water while Hercules swam. Having reached the other side, Nessus attempted to run off with Dejanira, but Hercules shot and fatally wounded him with a poisoned arrow. Vowing not to die unavenged, Nessus gave his blood-soaked tunic to Dejanira and told her that it had the power to revive waning love. Later, Dejanira caused Hercules' death by giving him the poisoned tunic to wear because she feared that he would fall in love with someone else. Louis de Boullogne was one of the most important decorators of his generation, participating in many of the most prestigious religious and mythological projects of his day.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Nessus and Dejanira

Date

about 1705

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 65.4 x W 80.6 cm

Accession number

NG6506

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by Jeffery Daniels, 1986

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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