Ascanius
2023 © Maxim Tabachnik
Pauline Bonaparte as Venus VictrixThe Rape of ProserpinaAdoration of the ChildDavidApollo and DaphneThe Council of the GodsSaint Jerome Writing
Aeneas, Anchises, and AscaniusAeneas, Anchises, and AscaniusAscanius
The EntombmentYoung Sick BacchusDavid with the Head of GoliathApollo and Daphne with The Apotheosis of RomulusMadonna and Child with St AnneRoman Civilization and the Heroic Virtue of HonorBoy with a Basket of FruitSacred and Profane LoveMax Amid Roman EchoesThe Apotheosis of RomulusTruth Unveiled by TimeBust of Cardinal Scipione BorgheseYoung Woman with a UnicornHistoric Gardens of Villa BorgheseAtlantes and DeitiesMax aming Berninis and CaravaggiosPope Paul V BorghesePope Paul VMax Contemplates Bernini’s Pluto and ProserpinaVenus Blindfolding CupidFireplace

AscaniusdetailGian Lorenzo Bernini

1165
In this poignant detail from Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius (1618–19), the child Ascanius clasps a small flame, symbolizing Troy’s sacred fire and Rome’s destined rebirth. Bernini captures not only the boy’s youthful innocence but also his quiet role as the vessel of a future empire, linking mythic past to imperial destiny.