Aeneas carries his father Anchises from the burning Troy Jan Brueghel The Elder (1568-1625)

The composition presents a scene of widespread destruction and desperate flight. A sprawling city is engulfed in flames, dominating the background with its towering structures silhouetted against a turbulent sky. The conflagration appears both immense and immediate; plumes of smoke billow upwards, obscuring portions of the cityscape while casting an ominous glow across the water. A pale moon hangs high above, offering little solace amidst the chaos.
In the foreground, a throng of figures struggles through what seems to be a harbor or waterfront area. Their postures convey panic and urgency – some run, others stumble, and still more appear to plead or lament their fate. The artist has rendered them with varied expressions, ranging from terror to resignation, suggesting a spectrum of emotional responses to the unfolding catastrophe. A central figure, powerfully built, carries an elderly man upon his shoulders; this act of filial devotion stands out amidst the general turmoil, providing a focal point for the viewer’s attention. He seems burdened not only by the weight of the older man but also by the gravity of the situation.
The color palette is dominated by dark tones – deep browns, blacks, and grays – which amplify the sense of despair and impending doom. The fiery reds and oranges erupting from the burning city provide a stark contrast, drawing the eye to the source of the devastation. Light plays an important role in guiding the viewer’s gaze; it illuminates certain figures while leaving others shrouded in shadow, further emphasizing the drama of the scene.
Beyond the immediate depiction of destruction and escape, the painting seems to explore themes of familial duty, loss, and the fragility of civilization. The act of carrying the elder man suggests a responsibility that transcends personal safety, hinting at the importance of preserving heritage and lineage even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The ruined city serves as a potent symbol of the impermanence of power and prosperity, reminding viewers of the cyclical nature of history and the inevitability of decline. Theres an underlying sense of tragedy; not just for those fleeing, but also for what is being lost – a culture, a way of life, a past that will never be recovered.