Illustration to the Iliad 1795

John Flaxman's 1795 "Illustration to the Iliad" is a delicate and detailed line drawing depicting the grief of the Trojan women as they mourn the death of Hector, a pivotal moment in Homer's epic poem. The scene is rendered with classical elegance, showcasing Flaxman's mastery of Neoclassical style. The composition focuses on the distraught figures of the women, their flowing robes and intertwined forms emphasizing their shared sorrow. The scene's depth is emphasized by the figure of a woman kneeling in the foreground, her back turned, providing a poignant counterpoint to the central group. This work is part of Flaxman's series of illustrations for Homer, Virgil, and Dante, which became influential in shaping the Neoclassical revival in British art.