SUSINI, Antonio
(b. before 1580, Firenze, d. 1624, Firenze)

Deianira Abducted by the Centaur Nessus

c. 1600
Bronze, height 43 cm (without socle)
Liechtenstein Museum, Vienna

There are many castings of this popular bronze which was designed by Giambologna in 1577. 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.