Aeneas and Anchises 1815

In this drawing, Eugène Delacroix renders Aeneas carrying his father, Anchises, from the burning city of Troy, a powerful symbol of filial piety and the passing of tradition. This motif of carrying a parent on one's shoulders appears across cultures, embodying themes of duty, respect, and the burden of history. Consider how it echoes in medieval Christian art where Saint Christopher carries the Christ Child, transforming a pagan giant into a symbol of divine service. Such images resonate deeply because they tap into our collective memory, evoking subconscious associations with familial bonds and cultural continuity. The gesture speaks to the weight of responsibility but also the strength derived from preserving one's heritage. This symbol is not static; it evolves, reflecting changing societal values while retaining its core emotional power. We see this figure resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.