Hercules, Deianira and the Centaur Nessus

Here – as in the companion painting “Venus and Adonis” (Inv.Nr. GG 1527) – an episode from antique mythology is depicted: Hercules in pursuit of the centaur Nessus who wants to abduct his wife Deianira. However, the scene only gives Veronese the chance to describe the way the figures are embedded in the mysterious-seeming realm of nature – an old theme in Venetian painting. We can also recognise Veronese’s late style in the clearly gloomy, autumnal colours and the open brushstrokes.