The artwork “Aeneas And His Family Departing From Troy” is a masterpiece by Peter Paul Rubens, created in the period 1602 – 1603. This Baroque painting is known for its dynamic compositions, emotional intensity, and rich, vivid details—a hallmark of Rubens’ style. The painting measures 146 x 227 cm and belongs to the mythological genre. As of the last available information, it resides in a private collection.
The artwork vividly portrays the chaos and desperation of the escape from Troy, with Aeneas at the center carrying his elderly father Anchises on his back, as Virgil describes in his epic poem “The Aeneid”. Anchises holds a vessel containing sacred relics of the Trojans. Aeneas’ son, Ascanius, is depicted next to him, while his wife Creusa follows behind, often interpreted as the ghostly figure, as she was lost during the escape from the city. To the right, a woman likely representing Aeneas’ mother, the goddess Venus, appears almost serene amid the turmoil, emphasizing her divine nature.
The rest of the composition is filled with figures in various states of distress, some supporting others, while others are in the throes of despair, highlighting the human cost of war and exodus. The scene is set against the backdrop of a burning Troy, coupled with an ominous sky, reinforcing the atmosphere of devastation. On the left, divine presences can be seen, suggesting the involvement of the gods in human affairs, a common theme in mythological tales.
The use of light and shadow, along with the intense facial expressions and dynamic movement, are characteristic of the Baroque movement to which Rubens belonged, as they serve to draw the viewer into the emotional core of the scene. Through this work, Rubens has not only depicted a significant moment in classical mythology but has also infused it with the brooding emotional force that typifies his oeuvre.
