CAV6FI30 Arnold Böcklin (1827-1901)

The drawing presents a dynamic and unsettling scene centered around a mythological encounter. Here we observe a centaur in mid-motion, his equine body powerfully angled towards the viewer, suggesting both speed and aggression. The upper torso of the creature is muscular and rendered with a dark, almost brooding tone, contrasting with the lighter hues used for the horse’s anatomy.
The centaurs arms are engaged in what appears to be an act of forceful restraint; one hand covers the face of a female figure who lies prone against a vertical surface. This woman is depicted with flowing hair and partially exposed skin, her posture conveying vulnerability and distress. The composition emphasizes the imbalance of power between the two figures – the centaur’s dominance physically asserted through his size and position, while the womans helplessness is underscored by her supine pose and obscured face.
The background is minimal, a warm brown tone that serves to isolate the central action and heighten its dramatic intensity. The lack of detail in the surroundings directs the viewer’s attention entirely towards the interaction between the centaur and the woman. This simplicity also contributes to an atmosphere of immediacy and raw emotion.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of predation, capture, and perhaps even a distorted form of desire. The obscured face of the woman invites speculation about her identity and inner state, while the centaur’s actions suggest a primal impulse that transcends simple violence. The artist seems to be less concerned with narrative clarity than with conveying a visceral sense of struggle and confinement. The overall effect is one of unease and ambiguity, leaving room for multiple interpretations regarding the nature of their relationship and the circumstances surrounding this encounter.