Ricci Sebastiano (1659 Belluno – 1734 Venice) – Aeneas with the head of Medusa in front of Phineus (64x77 cm) 1705-10 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a scene of violent confrontation within a classical architectural setting. Here we observe a muscular figure, centrally positioned and wielding a sword, engaged in combat with several other individuals. He is clad in reddish-orange drapery over armor, his posture conveying both aggression and determination as he appears to strike or defend against an unseen threat. The head of a monstrous female figure, identifiable by its serpentine hair, is held aloft near him, seemingly contributing to the chaos unfolding.
Around this central action, a multitude of figures are depicted in various states of distress and defeat. Some lie prostrate on the ground, their bodies contorted in pain or exhaustion; others appear to be actively fighting, though they seem overwhelmed by the intensity of the main figure’s actions. The artist has rendered them with a range of expressions – fear, agony, resignation – adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
The background is dominated by an arcade of classical columns and arches, punctuated by statues that appear to be observing the scene with detached solemnity. This architectural framework lends a sense of grandeur and formality to the otherwise brutal encounter. The light source seems to originate from the left side of the canvas, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the musculature of the figures involved in the conflict.
The subtexts within this work suggest themes of power, conquest, and the consequences of violence. The presence of the monstrous head implies a victory over a formidable foe, but also hints at the burden or curse associated with such triumph. The statues in the background could be interpreted as representing the judgment of posterity, silently witnessing the events unfolding below. The overall impression is one of controlled chaos – a carefully orchestrated depiction of conflict that seeks to explore not only the physical struggle but also its psychological and moral implications. The artist’s attention to detail in rendering both the anatomy of the figures and the architectural setting suggests an ambition to elevate this narrative beyond mere storytelling, aiming for a level of historical or allegorical significance.