FRANCE, Nessus et Déjanire, 1944, a uniface Art Déco bronze medal by R. Delamarre, the centaur Nessus to right, lifting a semi-naked Déjanira, edge impressed bronze and cornucopia, 81mm, 258.34g (CGMP p.127; cf. iNumis Dec. 2011, 320; cf. DNW M2, 2706). Good very fine, rare £120-£150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Art Déco Medals formed by Paul Fellerman.

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In Greek mythology, when Hercules arrived at the River Euenus with his bride Dejanira, the centaur Nessus offered to carry her across the water while Hercules swam. Having reached the other side, Nessus attempted to run off with Dejanira, but Hercules shot and fatally wounded him with a poisoned arrow