The above pencil drawing is copied after a drawing in red chalk by Raphael. Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino. Although his friends and the rest of humanity refer to him as just plain old Raphael. He created the work as a study for The Fire in the Borgo fresco at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.Created around 1514, the subject is of the Greek Mythological characters Aeneas and Anchises. Many artists have created works based on these two guys. But what is the just who are Aeneas and Anchises? Let’s find out! I added an exclamation point for excitement.
They were both mortals which mean they could die at any moment, just like us. I like to start on a high note. Aneneas was the main character of the Aeneid, an epic poem by Virgil that was written sometime between 29 and 19 BC. Which means there’s a good chance Jesus was forced by the Romans to read it in school. During a horrific attack on the City of Troy, Aeneas survived. He had great respect for the gods, but not Jesus, since he wasn’t born yet. Aeneas was a tough fighter and leader but showed great compassion and was prone to bouts of depression. The Aeneid is about Aneneas’ journey from Troy to Italy and since the poem is very long, a lot of things happen along the way. What about Anchises, you say? I’m glad you asked. Anchises is the father of Aeneas. He represents the traditions and culture of the Trojan people. Anchises dies on the way to Italy. I hope I didn’t spoil the story but you did have thousands of years to read it so that is really on you. Anchises becomes a ghost that helps his son, Aeneas continue on his journey. The subject of the drawing is taken from the part of the story when Aeneas in carrying his father Anchises to safety when the Borgo Vecchio in Rome was burning. The original drawing by Raphael Sanzio is now located in the Albertina Museum in Vienna.