Achilles lamenting the death of Patroclus

24.3 x 14.8"

2015

Image from a Spring 2015 group show, "Mythic"

Inspiration image: Giovani Antonio Pellegrini, Achillies Contemplating the Death of Patraclus

Statement

Homer’s, The Iliad, this image portrays the death of Patraclus, and Achilles contemplating this death in a modern-day, American context.  Within the classical bounds, the story of Patroclus and Achilles represents a strong, trusting, brotherly bond, between two warriors– Achilles, the strongest of warriors, and Patroclus, his closest friend. In this image, I have attempted to portray a solemn moment of weakness and self-realization at the moment of death–witnessed by one, and felt by the other. Being a part of the armed forces, I have witnessed a stigma among some of my fellow soldiers: being that emotional trauma is a sign of weakness. Having never been to a war zone, yet knowing many men who have, I have attempted to visually represent the reality of war, the brotherly bond between soldiers, and emotional internalization of loss.

Summary

       

The story of the death of Patroclus is found in Homer’s The Iliad. Achilles, the most powerful Greek warrior of the Trojan war, had a close, brotherly bond with his cousin, and fellow warrior

Patraclus. Leading to a turning point in the Seige of Troy, Patraclus convinces Achilles to let him disguise himself as Achilles as an act of deception against the Trogans. Patraclus is killed in battle, leading to lamentation and agonizing emotional trauma for Achilles—highlighting that the unbreakable warrior Achilles is still human.