Building of the Trojan Horse 1760

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo painted 'Building of the Trojan Horse' to revisit classical narratives through an 18th-century lens. The scene captures the construction of the infamous Trojan Horse, a symbol of deception. Tiepolo’s figures, caught in the act of building, highlight the physical labor and collective effort behind this deceptive strategy. There's a sense of irony in how such strenuous work leads to the downfall of Troy. It subtly critiques the glorification of war, focusing instead on the laborers who are the instruments of conflict. The painting prompts us to consider the stories we tell ourselves about victory and defeat, questioning whose voices are amplified and whose are silenced. This piece is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. It encourages reflection on the values we uphold in the narratives we celebrate.