Artwork Page for Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector

Details / Information for Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector

Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector

1648

Pietro Testa

(Italian, 1612–1650)
Culture
Italy, 17th century
Medium
etching
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1981.95
Catalogue raisonné
Bellini 37
State
I/IV
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The strong diagonals and heroic male bodies in this print relay an episode from the Trojan War in which the Greek warrior Achilles takes vengeance on the Trojan prince Hector for murdering his friend Patroclus. Here, Achilles is depicted dragging Hector’s dead body behind a chariot outside the gates of Troy. Primarily a draftsman and printmaker, Pietro Testa was known for the remarkable effects of space, texture, and light he was able to achieve by immersing the copper plate in an acid bath in several stages. This method allowed for deeper etched lines, in such areas as the dark shadows that frame the two central figures, while retaining sketchier details in the background.
Print in black ink on cream paper with two central nude men with light skin tones, the first, Achilles, right hand holding up the reins of the chariot he rides, left resting on his sheathed sword, his helmeted head looking down at the body of Hector, dragged by the chariot, arms up. People gather just outside and among the walls of a city in the background. A winged figure holds a wreath over Achilles.

Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector

1648

Pietro Testa

(Italian, 1612–1650)
Italy, 17th century

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