“Removal Dejanira,” created by Gustave Moreau around 1860, is a notable work of Symbolism and is classified as a mythological painting. Currently housed at the Musée National Gustave Moreau in Paris, France, the artwork embodies themes characteristic of the Symbolist movement.
The artwork depicts an intense mythological scene rendered in fine detail and a monochromatic palette. In the foreground, a centaur appears to be seizing Dejanira, who reaches upward in a dramatic gesture of distress or imploration. The centaur’s muscular form is meticulously articulated, emphasizing the physical struggle. In the background, another figure, possibly Hercules, is shown with a poised bow, suggesting an imminent rescue or confrontation. The surroundings are sketched with meticulous attention, capturing the tension and drama of the narrative. Through his adept use of lines and composition, Moreau underscores the emotional intensity and mythological grandeur that define the Symbolist aesthetic.
