Aeneas Carrying Anchises from Burning Troy c. 1733

Gaspare Diziani rendered "Aeneas Carrying Anchises from Burning Troy" in ink and wash, presenting a scene dominated by the urgent flight of figures amidst the chaos of a burning city. The monochromatic palette, primarily shades of brown and grey, heightens the drama and evokes a sense of somber urgency. Observe how Diziani uses dynamic lines to convey movement, particularly in the billowing cloak and the strained postures of the figures. Aeneas, burdened with his father, becomes a study in classical heroism weighed down by filial duty. The artist employs chiaroscuro to create depth, casting shadows that emphasize the weight and physical exertion of the figures. Diziani destabilizes the traditional heroic narrative by foregrounding vulnerability. The sketch-like quality, with its loose brushwork, challenges fixed notions of idealized beauty, inviting us to consider the raw, emotional and material conditions of survival. This is not just an aesthetic choice but a reflection on how power, representation and perception are in flux, especially during moments of crisis. The lack of precise detail shifts our focus from the specificity of the event to its broader implications: how individuals navigate catastrophic change and the burdens they carry, literally and figuratively.