Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius
by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 1619
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1619
- Medium
- Carrara marble
- Size
- 220 cm (7.2 ft) tall
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Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius was carved between 1618 and 1619, making it one of Bernini's earliest major works. The sculpture depicts the Trojan hero Aeneas fleeing burning Troy, carrying his elderly father Anchises on his shoulders while his son Ascanius walks beside them.
The three ages of man rise vertically: young Ascanius at the bottom, mature Aeneas in the middle, and aged Anchises at the top. Bernini was only 20 when he began this work, assisted by his father Pietro. Some scholars detect the elder Bernini's hand in the more conventional treatment of Aeneas's body. The sculpture shows the young artist learning to free figures from the block. It remains in the Borghese Gallery.
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About Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius
Aeneas carries his father Anchises, who holds household gods. Young Ascanius walks beside them carrying the eternal flame of Troy. They flee the burning city to eventually found Rome.
Bernini was 20-21 years old when he created this sculpture (1618-1619). His father Pietro Bernini likely assisted, making this a collaboration between father and son.
Romans believed Aeneas founded their civilization. His descendants Romulus and Remus established the city. The Aeneid by Virgil tells this origin story, making Aeneas central to Roman identity.
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