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Nessus Abducting Dejanira

ca. 1815–25
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 554
The centaur Nessus, midstream, is carrying the protesting Deianira, wife of Hercules, at the very moment that Hercules, standing on the riverbank facing them, fires the arrow that will kill him. Girometti repeated a relief by the Danish Neoclassical sculptor Thorvaldsen; the Museum acquired a fine marble example of the Thorvaldsen as well as this gem in 2004. Girometti signed the cameo in Greek.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Nessus Abducting Dejanira
  • Maker: Giuseppe Girometti (Italian, Rome 1780–1851 Rome)
  • Date: ca. 1815–25
  • Culture: Italian, Rome
  • Medium: Sardonyx, mounted in gold as a pendant
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 15/16 x 2 1/4 in. (4.9 x 5.7 cm); visible cameo (confirmed): 40.5 x 48 mm
  • Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ada Peluso, and Romano I. Peluso Gift, in memory of Ignazio Peluso, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.164
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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