Departure of Aeneas, by Francesco De Mura, 1742 Francesco de Mura (1696-1782)

The composition presents a scene of farewell and departure, unfolding within a landscape dominated by a coastal vista. A central male figure, clad in bronze armor and a vibrant red cloak, stands poised with one arm extended towards the sea, his gaze directed outwards. He holds a staff or scepter, suggesting authority and leadership. His posture conveys a sense of reluctant obligation, as if he is compelled to leave against his will.
Around him, several female figures are arranged in varying states of emotion. Some reach out towards him with gestures of supplication or lamentation; others appear to be overcome with grief, their bodies slumped in postures of despair. The artist has rendered them with a delicate rendering of fabrics and skin tones, emphasizing the pathos of the moment. A group of onlookers is visible on the left side of the canvas, seemingly witnessing the departure from within a walled structure. Their expressions are somber, contributing to the overall atmosphere of melancholy.
A dog sits at the feet of the departing figure, its posture mirroring his own sense of sadness and abandonment. This inclusion adds an element of domesticity and emotional resonance to the scene, highlighting the personal cost of duty.
The landscape itself is rendered with a soft, atmospheric perspective. The sea stretches out towards a distant coastline, punctuated by a prominent tower or structure that serves as a visual anchor point. The foliage in the background is loosely painted, creating a sense of depth and distance. Light plays across the scene, illuminating certain figures while leaving others in shadow, further enhancing the dramatic effect.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of duty versus desire, loss, and the burden of leadership. The departure signifies not only a physical separation but also a symbolic parting from a cherished past or way of life. The emotional responses of the women suggest the profound impact of this decision on those left behind. The inclusion of the dog underscores the universal experience of grief and attachment. Overall, the work conveys a sense of poignant farewell, imbued with classical allusions and a palpable human drama.