Aeneas Fleeing with Anchises from the Ruins of Troy 1777

This is Augustin Pajou’s drawing, “Aeneas Fleeing with Anchises from the Ruins of Troy”, created with red chalk. Notice how the artist uses the warm hue of the chalk to enhance the drama and urgency of the scene. Pajou masterfully employs line and form to convey a sense of chaos and movement. Aeneas strides forward with determination, carrying his father, while other figures around them gesture in distress. The ruins of Troy loom in the background, rendered with quick, energetic strokes that suggest destruction and turmoil. But observe how the composition is carefully structured; the figures are arranged in a dynamic yet balanced manner, creating a focal point that draws the viewer's eye. The use of diagonal lines reinforces this, creating a sense of instability and emphasizing the urgency of their escape. This structured form, juxtaposed with the chaotic subject matter, invites reflection on how narratives of upheaval and transformation are represented through art.