Ajax, front view, from "Oeuvre de Canova: Recueil de Statues..." 1817

This engraving of Ajax, front view, was created by Pietro Fontana sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The fine lines and shading give the figure a sculptural presence. The composition centres on the idealized, muscular form of the hero, complemented by his helmet and the stump he leans on. The statue echoes classical ideals of heroism and beauty while also suggesting a deeper sense of interior conflict. Look at the way the artist uses the form and texture of the engraving to draw attention to the hero’s physical strength and the weight of his emotional state. The detailed hatching captures the contours of Ajax’s body, highlighting both his power and vulnerability. Notice how Fontana plays with light and shadow to create depth and volume. It is through this visual language that Fontana invites us to consider the complex interplay between external appearance and internal turmoil that defines Ajax’s character. Each line and shadow seems to contribute to a narrative about the burdens of heroism and the cost of glory.