Classical Mythology, 7th Edition - obinfonet: dia logou

478 THE GREEK SAGAS: GREEK LOCAL LEGENDS
Study for "Aeneas' Flight from Troy," by Federico Barocci (ca. 1535-1612). Pen and brown
ink, brown wash, opaque watercolor, over black chalk on paper; ca. 1587-1588; 11 X 16 3 /4
in. The tightly structured group of Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius are separated from
Creusa. In the background are the burning buildings of Troy (the circular temple, like a
Roman church of Barocci's time, is prominent) and confused forms of Trojans and Greeks
are sketched on the right. To the left a dog adds a poignant touch to the departure. With
great economy the artist faithfully represents Vergil's narrative. (Italian. © The Cleveland
Museum of Art, L. E. Holden Fund, 60.26.)
[Aeneas recalls the words of Venus:] "It is the pitiless gods, the gods who are
destroying the wealth of Troy and laying the city low from top to bottom. Look—
for I will remove the cloud that now dulls your mortal sight. Here, where you
see the shattered towers and huge stones torn up, where dust and smoke are
billowing, Neptune is convulsing the walls, shaking the foundations with his
trident as he uproots the city. Here Juno, most cruel, leads the others in seizing
the Scaean gates: raging and clad in iron armor she calls the Greeks from the
ships. Look over here—even now Tritonian Pallas has taken up her place upon
the height of Troy's citadel: see how she is lit with the lurid storm-cloud and
the ferocious Gorgon! The Father of the gods himself renews the courage and
violence of the Greeks, himself he urges them on to fight."
I saw the fatal vision and the mighty power of the gods hostile to Troy.
Then, indeed, I saw all Ilium collapse into the flames and Troy, built by Neptune,
overturned from its foundations.