ARTWORKS

Hercules and Deianira

Jan Gossaert (c.1478–1532)

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Hercules and Deianira

Image credit: The Henry Barber Trust, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham

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The classical hero Hercules is shown embracing his wife Deianira. Their seat is decorated with images of his heroic exploits including the defeat of the Nemean lion and his victory over Antaeus. Their erotic encounter, however, is doomed. Deianira sits on the silver cloak given to her by the evil centaur Nessus. When Hercules wears it he will be engulfed in flames and die. Gossaert visited Italy in 1508/1509. On his return he was the first artist in the Netherlands to produce classical subjects with nude figures.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Birmingham

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Title

Hercules and Deianira

Date

1517

Medium

oil on wood

Measurements

H 36.8 x W 26.6 cm

Accession number

46.10

Acquisition method

purchased, 1946

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Inscribed u.c.: HERCULES DYANIRA. Dated l.l.: 1517

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Normally on display at

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TS England

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Artist or maker

Jan Gossaert

c.1478–1532

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