Rape of Deianera
by MORE, Jacob, Oil on canvas laid on board, oval, 104 x 139 cm
This painting is one of a pair of decorative landscapes in oval form. The subject is taken from Ovid (Met. 9:101-133). On a journey, Hercules and Deianira came to a river where the centaur Nessus was the ferryman. While carrying Deianira across he attempted to ravish her. Hercules, already on the further bank, drew his bow and slew Nessus.