Italian school, early 18th century. "Classical scene: self-sacrifice of the hero". Watercolour on paper. It presents tears and remains of adhesives. Measurements: 26 x 40 cm. Excellent watercolour drawing. Both for the choice of the mythological subject and for the classical language ed, this watercolour in grisaille is inscribed in the neoclassicism, dominant current in the 18th century. The exaltation of moral values (heroism, nobility, bravery) is characteristic of neoclassical taste, which drew from Greco-Roman sources to draw from them models of virtue. Here, a hero who could be Ayax the Great is preparing to plunge a sword into his belly, before the eyes of servants and soldiers. The drapery behind the chamber adds theatricality to the scene: the guards' attention and gestures converge on the imminent self-sacrificial act, although two of them exchange significant glances at each other. The quality of the line that constructs the anatomies and the rich shades of grey that sculpt the bodies stand out. With the minimal elements, the tension of the drama is frozen. Although it could be another hero of the Trojan War, or another Homeric scene, we think of the possibility that it could be Ajax the hero who, after having killed his domestic animals in a fit of rage, oning to his senses, did not want to continue living in shame. Ajax had hoped to be rewarded with the delivery of the armour after the Trojan victory, but it was given to Odysse, and he then suffered a psychic collapse which caed his fatal fit of madness.Dimensions: 26 x 40 cm.