In the heart of Rome, at the renowned Galleria Borghese, Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius" stands as a testament to the genius of one of the greatest sculptors of the Baroque era. Carved from marble between 1618 and 1620, this early work of Bernini captures a powerful moment from Roman mythology, embodying themes of family, duty, and destiny.
The sculpture depicts a scene from Virgil’s epic poem, the Aeneid, where the Trojan hero Aeneas escapes the burning city of Troy. With his elderly father Anchises on his shoulders and his young son Ascanius by his side, Aeneas embodies the pietas (sense of duty and devotion) that defines Roman virtue. Anchises holds the household gods (Penates), representing the continuity of Troy's legacy, while Ascanius, symbolizing the future, carries a torch to light their path.
Bernini's composition is a striking representation of familial devotion amidst adversity. Here’s a closer look at the remarkable details:
Aeneas: The central figure, Aeneas, demonstrates strength and resolve as he carries his father on his shoulders. His muscular form and determined expression convey his heroic character. The tension in his muscles and his steady stride reflect the burden of responsibility he carries.
Anchises: The elderly Anchises clings to his son, holding the Penates close to his chest. His aged features and fragile posture contrast with Aeneas's youthful vigor, emphasizing the weight of generations that Aeneas bears.
Ascanius: Beside Aeneas walks the young Ascanius, holding a torch. His innocent gaze and confident stride hint at the bright future he represents. He wears a Phrygian cap, linking him to his Trojan heritage.
Movement and Unity: Bernini masterfully unites the three generations through a sense of movement and interconnectedness. Aeneas’s stride and Ascanius’s torch create a dynamic rhythm that leads the eye upward to Anchises’s solemn face. The sculpture’s spiral composition embodies the trio’s ascent from the burning city toward their destiny.
Symbolism: Anchises carries the Penates, the household gods of Troy, symbolizing the continuity of Trojan culture. Ascanius’s torch signifies the hope of a new beginning, while Aeneas’s steadfast demeanor represents unwavering duty.
Created when Bernini was only in his early twenties, "Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius" showcases the young sculptor's prodigious talent. The sculpture was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a major patron of the arts, and it marks one of Bernini's first significant works. It reflects his early mastery of anatomy, emotion, and movement, which would later define his illustrious career.
The sculpture’s composition and naturalism prefigure Bernini’s mature works, where he would refine his ability to infuse marble with life-like vitality and drama. This piece, along with "Pluto and Proserpina" and "Apollo and Daphne," established Bernini as a dominant figure in Roman Baroque sculpture.
"Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius" remains a celebrated work at the Galleria Borghese, embodying Bernini’s early exploration of emotion, mythology, and family. It offers a powerful narrative of generational continuity, duty, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Visitors to the Galleria Borghese are drawn to the intricate details and emotional intensity of the sculpture, finding in Bernini’s work a timeless reminder of the values and virtues that shaped ancient Rome.
