Aeneas Rescuing Anchises

The subject of this painting is a heroic scene of filial devotion that appears in the Iliad and the Aeneid: as the city of Troy burns, Aeneas rescues his crippled elderly father Anchises and his son Ascanius. Ricci contrasts Aeneas’ impressive physical vigor to the frailty of his father, who keeps a dignified expression in spite of the perilous situation. The black smoke that frames the composition adds drama, and emphasizes the diagonal thrust of Aeneas’ leg. With this painting, Ricci tried to measure himself against a three-dimensional version of the same subject by the famous sculptor Bernini.