Salvatore Fiume, Aeneid, II, Aeneas and Anchises, lithography, 60x80 cm, 1989/90

This work, of the Italian master Salvatore Fiume, is part of the unpublished series of 15 example, illustrating the Aeneid and realized, between 1989 and 1990. Obtained and printed with a lithographic process, it is taken from the original painting made with oil colours. Here is represented an episode from the second book of the poem, in which Aeneas and his family escape from Troy.  In the foreground we can see Aeneas with his father, Anchises,on his shoulder, his son Iulo and his wife Creusa, who dies in the catastrophe and will later appear as a shadow to Aeneas, advising him to always watch over their son. In the background we can see the burning walls of the city, attacked by enemies. The bodies of the characters are decpicted through simple and soft shapes. What attracts the attention of the observer, is the expression of terror and stress, painted on the face of the woman, whose pose recalls the odalisques, the oriental women often painted by the master. The influence of the exotic world on the artist can also be seen in the use of warm colors. Ocher, red and orange, in vivid contrast with the blue, create a dramatic and mythical atmosphere.

The work is numbered and has the autograph signature in the lower right corner. On the back, to guarantee authenticity, it presents the stamp declaring the execution technique and the author signature.

Edition 990/999.