Deyanira Herculis weyb · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: Deyanira Herculis weyb
Subject: Hercules; Deianira; Nessus; Important Women; Famous Women; Roman Mythology
Period: 1500-1550;
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. Deianira is illustrated wearing a crown. A man named Nessus is depicted beside Deianira, holding his arm out to her as he offers to take her across the river on horseback. Boccaccio explains that Nessus was riding horseback, however, Nessus is known to be a centaur in Greek mythology. Boccaccio explains that 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: Joerg Breu (Engraver)
Type: Text; Woodcut Engraving
Identifier: mta:18291
Language: ger
Source Name: Ein schöne Cronica oder Hystoribuch von den fürnämlichsten Weybern [A beautiful chronicle or history book of reputable women]
Parent Collection: 1543 Stayner
Image: mta_18291_OBJ.png