Nessus Abducting Dejanira 1810 - 1830

Editor: This is Giuseppe Girometti's marble relief sculpture, "Nessus Abducting Dejanira," created sometime between 1810 and 1830. It looks like it depicts a scene from classical mythology, full of drama. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: This sculpture freezes a moment fraught with power dynamics and violated consent. Girometti presents Nessus, the centaur, in the act of abducting Dejanira. Can we truly appreciate its Neoclassical aesthetic without grappling with the underlying narrative of sexual assault? Editor: That's a very powerful point. I was initially focused on the technical skill evident in the carving, but I didn't really consider that! How does that reading of power affect your understanding of the Neoclassical style it's in? Curator: Neoclassicism often appropriates classical forms to convey idealized narratives of heroism and virtue. But when applied to stories like this, does it unintentionally aestheticize violence against women? It forces us to question what exactly is being “revived” and whose perspectives are centered in these historical representations. Does this perpetuation of ancient myths uphold specific societal power structures, particularly male dominance? Editor: So, seeing it this way makes you think about what this object meant when it was made versus what it means today? Curator: Precisely. By engaging with the historical context and applying a critical lens, we recognize not just the artist's skill but the reproduction and continuation of problematic narratives across time. The beauty here cannot erase the disturbing story being told; rather, it amplifies the urgent need to unpack how such stories perpetuate harmful power imbalances, which unfortunately resonate to this day. Editor: I had not looked at it that way at all. This is incredibly insightful. Thanks so much for sharing. Curator: The pleasure is all mine. Keep questioning, keep looking deeper!