Aeneas redt zijn vader Anchises uit het brandende Troje 1736 - 1771

Nicolas Gabriel Dupuis created this print, "Aeneas redt zijn vader Anchises uit het brandende Troje" or Aeneas rescuing his father Anchises from the burning Troy. The artwork is dominated by a strong vertical axis, formed by Aeneas carrying his father. This line cuts through the chaotic scene of burning Troy, providing a sense of order amidst the disaster. Dupuis's strategic use of light and shadow emphasizes the muscles in Aeneas' legs, highlighting the physical strength required for this rescue. The figures are arranged in a pyramidal composition, with the base formed by Aeneas and the apex at the top of Anchises' head. This classical structure provides stability to the scene, even as flames rise in the background. Dupuis uses texture to convey the drama of the burning city, with dense, chaotic lines contrasting with the smooth, idealized forms of the figures. The print functions not just as an aesthetic portrayal of a classical story but also engages with themes of duty, sacrifice, and the burden of history, inviting ongoing interpretation.