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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2007.43
People
Pietro Testa, Italian (Lucca, Italy 1611 - 1650 Rome, Italy)
Title
Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
17th century
Culture
Italian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/316189

Physical Descriptions

Technique
Etching
Dimensions
plate and sheet: 27 x 42.5 cm (10 5/8 x 16 3/4 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • Signed: l.c., P. Testa fecit l.l. Arnoldus Van Wefterhout Excudit Romae Sup. perm.

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
William S. Lieberman, bequest; to Harvard Art Museums, 2007

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

State
ii
Standard Reference Number
Bartsch 22

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest of William S. Lieberman
Accession Year
2007
Object Number
2007.43
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Commentary
Pietro Testa produced hundreds of drawings after antique sculpture for Cassiano dal Pozzo's Paper Museum, later drawing on this experience for his many etched scenes from antiquity. This one shows a climactic moment in the Trojan War, when Achilles, roused out of his silence by the killing of his friend Patroclus, kills King Priam's son Hector. Incensed with wrath, Achilles takes his vengeance a step further, and drags Hector's body from his chariot around the walls of Troy. The king and his wife, who were unable to dissuade this shameful act, remain on top of the walls. She faints at the sight of her son's body being dragged through the dust; not at his noble death. This print is part of Testa's incomplete Life of Achilles series, which only comprised three prints.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu