Plate 126: Aeneas and Anchises (AEnea in perentem pietas), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta created this engraving of Aeneas and Anchises, inspired by Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'. Tempesta, living in a time of religious and political upheaval, often imbued his art with themes of heroism and moral virtue, mirroring the anxieties and aspirations of his era. Here, Aeneas carries his elderly father, Anchises, from the burning city of Troy, while his son, Ascanius, follows close behind. This depiction is not merely an act of filial piety, but a symbolic representation of legacy and duty. Aeneas embodies the weight of history and the burden of leadership, while Ascanius represents hope for the future. The focus on Aeneas's strength and Anchises's vulnerability invites us to consider the emotional complexities within patriarchal structures and what it means to protect one's family and heritage amidst chaos. The intensity of the moment is palpable. This image resonates with a sense of responsibility, reminding us of the enduring power of familial bonds.