Nessus, Deianeira and Hercules n.d.

This drawing depicts a scene from Greek mythology, capturing the moment when Nessus attempts to abduct Deianeira as he is carrying her across the river, while Hercules observes. The figure of the centaur, Nessus, is particularly evocative. Rooted in ancient fears and fascinations, the centaur embodies the struggle between man's reason and animal instinct. We see such hybrid creatures throughout history – consider the Egyptian sphinx or even medieval depictions of demons. They all tap into our primal understanding of the subconscious. Here, Nessus points forward, promising safe passage, and Deianeira looks back, signaling the unfolding tragedy and warning Hercules. The artist uses this moment to convey the raw emotions of betrayal and impending doom. Like a recurring dream, this scene echoes across centuries, reminding us of the timeless themes of lust, deceit, and the tragic consequences of unchecked desires.