Trojas brand. En flod gennemskærer den brændende by. T. h. i forgrunden Æneas, bærende sin fader Anchises, ved siden sønnen Ascanius; bagefter følger andet flygtende folk. 1626

Friedrich Brentel created this watercolor depicting the burning of Troy. Painted during a time of religious and political conflict in Europe, the image doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of violence and displacement. Look closely and you’ll see Aeneas carrying his father, Anchises, and his son, Ascanius, fleeing the city. It is an intimate tableau of intergenerational care set against the backdrop of war. The emotional weight of the scene comes from the personal stories of loss and survival amidst chaos. The painting emphasizes not just the physical destruction of Troy, but also the human cost of conflict. It offers a glimpse into how individuals and families navigate trauma and displacement, challenging heroic narratives of war. The artwork powerfully reflects and shapes our understanding of societal issues. The visceral depiction of the burning city serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of conflict on individuals and communities.