Illustration to the Iliad 1795

John Flaxman created this pen and ink drawing, "Illustration to the Iliad," during a time when Europe was captivated by classical antiquity. Flaxman, like many of his contemporaries, was deeply influenced by the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. In this illustration, we see a scene of violence and conflict taken straight from Homer's epic poem. Flaxman strips away the elaborate detail, focusing instead on the human form and the raw emotion of the moment. The figures, rendered in simple lines, embody classical ideals of heroism and strength. Yet, there's also a vulnerability in their poses, a reminder of the human cost of war. The fallen figure is a stark reminder of mortality, challenging any glorification of battle. Flaxman's neoclassical style emphasizes order and reason, but beneath the surface, the "Iliad" grapples with themes of fate, rage, and the complexities of human relationships, reflecting enduring aspects of our shared human experience.