The Death of Priam c. 1760

Johann Andreas Herrlein's "The Death of Priam" (c. 1760) is a dramatic depiction of the Trojan king's death at the hands of Neoptolemus, son of Achilles. The scene is set amidst the chaos of the sack of Troy, with fire blazing in the background and a tumultuous crowd of figures in the foreground. The composition, centered around the action of the slaying, emphasizes the intensity and brutality of the event. Herrlein’s masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of immediacy and drama, making the viewer feel like they are witnessing the tragic event unfold. The artwork, currently housed in the Städel Museum, offers a glimpse into the artist's skill in capturing the dynamism and emotional weight of a pivotal moment in classical mythology.