De Deianira hija de oeneo: rey de Etolia · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: De Deianira hija de oeneo: rey de Etolia
Subject: Roman Mythology; Greek Mythology; Deianira; Important Women; Famous Women; Hercules
Period: 1450-1500;
Geographic: Calydonia; Aetolia; Ancient Greece
Description: Hercules is depicted on the right side of the engraving holding his new wife Deianira in his arms as they attempt to cross the Evenus river. Hercules is illustrated with a wreath on his head and a bow and arrow by his legs. His name is engraved horizontal to his body in order to be identified. Deianira is illustrated wearing a crown and has her name engraved above her head. A man named Nessus is depicted beside Deianira, holding his arm out to her as he offers to take her across the river. Boccaccio explains that Nessus was riding horseback, however, in Greek mythology, Nessus is known to be a centaur. Nessus betrayed Hercules’ trust, and began to run away with Deianira after crossing the river. Hercules uses a poison infused arrow to shoot Nessus and rescue his wife. This is illustrated in the background on the left side of the engraving. Hercules’ bow is in hand, and his arrow is sticking out of the chest of Nessus.
Image Creator: Anonymous (Engraver)
Type: Text; Woodcut Engraving
Identifier: mta:14494
Language: spa
Source Name: De Las Mujeres Ilustres [On Famous Women]
Parent Collection: 1494 Mujeres Ilustres; 1494 Mujeres Ilustres
Image: mta_14494_OBJ.png
Collection: Early Modern Women
Subject: Roman Mythology; Greek Mythology; Deianira; Important Women; Famous Women; Hercules

Media: mta_14494_OBJ.png