Nessus and Deianira

About this work

This print shows a man and a woman in a dramatic struggle. The man, half-human and half-horse, grabs the woman’s arm while she twists away, her body stretched in motion. Both are naked, their skin and flowing drapery sharply detailed against a dark, stormy background. The woman’s face is turned upward, her expression tense, while the man’s face is twisted in effort. The title at the bottom hints this scene comes from a myth, where a centaur tries to force himself on a woman. The artist used deep shadows and strong contrasts to make the figures stand out. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this print in person.