Neoptolemus Collection

Pyrrhus and Andromache before Hector's Tomb, 1807-1811. Creator: Johan Ludvig Gebhard Lund
Pyrrhus and Andromache before Hector's Tomb, 1807-1811. Andromache grieves for her husband as the city of Thebe Hypoplakia is burned by the Greeks

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1737 (oil on canvas)
NUL116824 The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1737 (oil on canvas) by Pittoni, Giovanni Battista (1687-1767); 134x160 cm; Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany; Italian, out of copyright

Neoptolemus taking Andromache into captivity after the fall of Troy
615267 Neoptolemus taking Andromache into captivity after the fall of Troy (pen & brown ink on white paper) by Romano, Giulio (1492-1546); 26.2x40.4 cm; eThe Devonshire Collections

Pyrrhus, costume for Andromache by Jean Racine
STC96506 Pyrrhus, costume for Andromache by Jean Racine, from Volume I of Research on the Costumes and Theatre of All Nations

The Sack of Troy-Pyrrhus Killing Priam, before 1654. Creator: Pierre Lombart
The Sack of Troy-Pyrrhus Killing Priam, before 1654

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1734. Artist: Pittoni, Giovan Battista (1687-1767)
The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1734. Found in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

The Sacrifice of Polyxena. Artist: Pittoni, Giovan Battista (1687-1767)
The Sacrifice of Polyxena. Found in the collection of Thyssen-Bornemisza Collections

Hecuba and Polyxena, after 1814. Artist: Blondel, Merry-Joseph (1781-1853)
Hecuba and Polyxena, after 1814. Found in the collection of Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Repentance of Neoptolemus, 1880. Artist: Lachmann
The Repentance of Neoptolemus, 1880. Son of the warrior Achilles and the princess Deidamia in Greek mythology. From Stories from the Greek Tragedies by the Rev. Alfred J. Church, M.A

Andromache at the feet of Pyrrhus, illustration from Act III Scene 7 of Andromaque
XIR239570 Andromache at the feet of Pyrrhus, illustration from Act III Scene 7 of Andromaque by Jean Racine (1639-99) engraved by Henri Marais (b)

Orestes and Pyrrhus, illustration from Act I Scene 2 of Andromaque by Jean Racine
XIR239569 Orestes and Pyrrhus, illustration from Act I Scene 2 of Andromaque by Jean Racine (1639-99) engraved by Mathieu (19th century) (engraving) (b/w photo) by Girodet de Roucy-Trioson

Andromache at the Feet of Pyrrhus, from Andromache by Jean Racine (1639-99)
XIR220412 Andromache at the Feet of Pyrrhus, from Andromache by Jean Racine (1639-99) published in 1676 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Chauveau

Red-figure pottery, calyx krater depicting Neoptolemus, Astyanax, Helen of Troy and Priamo on ground
Etruscan civilization, 4th century b.C. Red-figure pottery: calyx krater by the Nazzano Painter, side depicting Neoptolemus, Astyanax, Helen of Troy and Priam on the ground

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Neoptolemus, the valiant warrior of ancient Greece, is depicted in various artistic masterpieces. In a striking red-figure pottery Krater from Civita Castellana, we witness Neoptolemus taking Andromache into captivity after the fall of Troy. The intensity of this moment is further captured in Jean Racine's play "Andromaque, " where Pyrrhus wears an elaborate costume to portray Neoptolemus. The tragic events surrounding Neoptolemus continue to unfold in Pierre Lombart's painting "The Sack of Troy-Pyrrhus Killing Priam. " Here, we see the aftermath of war as Neoptolemus mercilessly ends King Priam's life. This scene echoes another artwork by Giovan Battista Pittoni titled "The Sacrifice of Polyxena, " which depicts the heart-wrenching sacrifice made by Polyxena. Merry-Joseph Blondel portrays Hecuba and Polyxena mourning their fate in his piece created after 1814. Their grief resonates with viewers as they contemplate the consequences brought upon them by Neoptolemus' actions. However, not all depictions focus solely on his brutality. In Lachmann's painting "The Repentance of Neoptolemus, " we witness a different side to him - one filled with remorse and regret for his past deeds. This portrayal offers a glimpse into the complex nature of this legendary figure. Throughout these artworks, it becomes evident that Neoptolemus' story has captivated artists across centuries. From Homers Odyssey engravings to illustrations from Racine's play "Andromaque, " his character continues to inspire creative minds worldwide. Intriguing and multifaceted, Neoptolemus stands as a testament to humanity's capacity for both heroism and cruelty—a reminder that even great warriors are not immune to inner turmoil and redemption-seeking journeys.