Deyanira Herculis coniuge · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: Deyanira Herculis coniuge
Subject: Hercules; Roman Mythology; Important Women; Famous Women; Deianira
Period: 1450-1500;
Geographic: Ancient Greece; Aetolia; Calydon
Description: Hercules is depicted on the left side of the engraving holding his new wife Deianira in his arms as they attempt to cross the Evenus river. Hercules is illustrated with a wreath on his head and a bow and arrow by his legs. Deianira is illustrated wearing a crown while looking at her husband. 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 right side of the engraving. Hercules’ bow is in hand, and his arrow is sticking out of Nessus’ chest.
Image Creator: Anonymous (Engraver)
Type: Text; Woodcut Engraving
Identifier: mta:18143
Language: lat
Source Name: Iohannis Bocacij in librum de claris mulieribus
Parent Collection: 1487 Leuven; 1487 Leuven
Image: mta_18143_OBJ.jpg
Collection: Early Modern Women
Subject: Hercules; Roman Mythology; Important Women; Famous Women; Deianira