Aeneas and His Family Fleeing Troy - Agostino Carracci

A detailed engraving by Agostino Carracci depicting Aeneas carrying his father from the burning ruins of Troy.

This engraving by Agostino Carracci depicts the classical narrative of Aeneas escaping the burning city of Troy. The composition focuses on the central figure of Aeneas, who carries his elderly father, Anchises, upon his shoulders. Beside them, his young son Ascanius walks, while his wife Creusa follows, her posture conveying distress. The background provides a view of the architectural destruction of the city, with flames rising behind classical columns and domes.

Carracci employs a sophisticated use of line to define the musculature of the figures and the textures of their garments. The engraving demonstrates the technical precision associated with the Carracci family, who were influential figures in the development of the Bolognese school. The scene is framed by architectural elements that create a sense of depth, drawing the viewer into the chaotic environment of the mythic event. The contrast between the light and shadow across the figures and the rubble on the ground adds to the dramatic quality of the work.

As a master of the print medium, Agostino Carracci used this engraving to translate the narrative weight of Virgil's Aeneid into a visual format. The work reflects the interest in classical antiquity that defined much of the artistic production in Italy during the late sixteenth century. The inclusion of Latin inscriptions at the base of the print provides further context for the scene, identifying the figures and the thematic focus on filial piety. This print remains a clear example of the technical skill involved in reproductive engraving during the period, capturing both the emotional intensity of the subject and the structural rigour of the composition.