Die Seelen-Waage, unten der Trojanische Krieg 1820

Johann Martin von Wagner’s 1820 “Die Seelen-Waage, unten der Trojanische Krieg” (The Scale of Souls, Below the Trojan War) is a Neoclassical artwork depicting the weighing of souls in the afterlife. The central figure, likely representing a deceased warrior, is held by a figure representing justice while another figure points to the scales, suggesting the weighing of their actions during life. The scene is framed by a group of figures in the upper corners, while the Trojan War is depicted in the lower section of the work, showcasing the scale of the battle that occurred in antiquity. This artwork is a testament to the artistic expression of the 19th century, which often revisited classical themes and narratives.