Painting

Chasity Pickett

Carlos Garcia

ARTS 1301

July 27, 2015

Hercules Killing the Centaur Nessus: Sebastiano Ricci

Sebastiano Ricci was an Italian artist in the late 17th century and 18th century.

Sebastiano Ricci was the son of Livio Ricci and Andreana Ricci.  He was born August 1st 1659. He moved to Venice at the age of 12, it was then Ricci was apprenticed to Federico Cervelli. Ricco then left Venice after June 16th 1681 and went to Bologna. After years in Lombardy Ricci arrived in Venice, where he married Maddalena van de Meer. Ricci was considered to be a prolific draughtsman and is remembered for his decorative paintings. He painted religious, historical, and mythological subjects.

The painting I chose to write this paper on is “Hercules Killing the Centaur Nessus”. I chose this painting because it jumped out to me. This painting is based on a Greek myth.  The source of this story is Book Nine of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The story behind this painting is interesting and so is the use of color. I thought this painting was ironically beautiful even though I wouldn’t want this hanging in my house.

The story starts off with Hercules and his wife Deianira, she is the type of woman who inspires love at first sight, heading home and on their journey they are met with a river that blocks their path. Hercules has no concern for himself crossing the river however; he had concerns for his wife. Nessus, the centaur, just so happens to be standing near the river and he soon recognize the legend Hercules. Centaurs were known for being unable to resist female charms. Nessus knows that Hercules may not require help so, Nessus then offers to assist Deianira in crossing the river. As he is carrying Deianira across the river, Hercules hears her calling his name for help. Nessus tries to abduct her but as he is getting away, Hercules shoots a poisonous arrow square in his spine.

As the centaur is dying a swift and painful death, he turned to Hercules wife and told...